Steve Burr was pleased to land Football League opposition in the FA Cup first round but said he felt for the fans with two marathon away days in a row.

Chester, who have a 420 mile round trip to Eastleigh this weekend, must travel to League Two club Southend United - 440 miles there and back - next weekend.

Southend, who are ninth in the league, will start as favourites but have struggled on home soil, failing to win five times in eight league games at Roots Hall.

Phil Brown's side are averaging less than a goal a game this season and have only scored more than once on three occasions.

Chester will have the advantage of being underdogs and Burr said his side would go on the offensive with the pressure off.

Burr said: "That's how we've been all season to be honest.

"It's great to get a league club and it was quite exciting sitting and watching the draw being made

"It's a bit disappointing for the supporters because of the travel involved but knowing them like I do I'm sure they will see it as a good day out and we'll have another good following.

"We will go there and have a go and give it our best to try and cause an upset."

Southend boss Brown said he was happy with a home draw but would have liked an all-Essex cup tie.

“I would’ve loved it if we had been drawn to play Concord Rangers or East Thurrock United because that would’ve been a great occasion for our area,” he told the Essex Echo.

“However, we’ve been drawn at home which we have to be happy about and we will be favourites because we’re playing against a non league side.

“We’re going to have to be comfortable with that mantle but I’ve had many battles with Chester during the years and I’m sure this will be another one.”

Last time the clubs met was in March 2005 when Freddy Eastwood's goal with five minutes left earned the Essex club a 2-2 draw.

Michael Walsh put Chester into the lead before Mark Gower equalised but Ben Davies' goal looked to have done enough to give the Blues the win.