STRIKER Matty McNeil has set his sights on claiming some cup silverware as Chester FC gear up for this Saturday’s FA Trophy test at North Ferriby United (3pm).

The in-form 35-year-old has bagged three goals in his last four games, including the second and decisive strike in last month’s 2-0 win at Stourbridge in the final qualifying round of the Trophy.

He will be hoping to lead the line for Saturday’s first round tie at North Ferriby – and he believes the Blues can go all the way to the Wembley final.

“We’ve got some real quality in the side and the potential to cause problems for a lot of sides, including those in the Conference. We are confident of making some real progress in the competition,” said McNeil, who joined manager Neil Young’s squad in the summer from Blue Square Bet Premier side Southport.

“This weekend’s game is a big one for us and it’s important that we go to North Ferriby, put in a performance and make sure that make the next round.

“As a club, I think that making it to the last 16 would represent a real success for us but for me, personally, my aim is to make the final and lift the Trophy.

“It may seem a tall order but on our day, if we apply ourselves correctly, we are a match for anyone in non-league football.”

The 6ft 5ins striker has had experience of playing on England’s biggest football stage, coming on as a late substitute for Stockport County in their 2008 League Two Play-off Final victory when they came from behind to beat Rochdale 3-2.

But there is a long way to go yet down this particular Wembley trail.

North Ferriby, who saw off Corby Town after a replay in the final qualifying round, were hammered 6-0 at the Exacta Stadium when they faced Chester in a league match in September.

McNeil was not on the scoresheet that day but he has earned widespread praise from Blues fans for his performances this season and fully intends to keep his fine form going.

“Things have gone really well for me so far and I couldn’t really have asked for a better start to be honest,” said McNeil, who has hit eight goals in all competitions this season.

“It helps when you are playing in a good team alongside good players.

“I’m no stranger to semi-pro football but I’ve been really impressed with the squad this season and Neil (Young) has assembled a really good group of lads and there’s only one way this club is heading and that’s upwards.

“It’s hard not to buy into the whole ethos of the club and everything about it is first-class. I bring my two boys on a Saturday, they’re looked after superbly and they love it.”

With the Blues currently sitting pretty at the summit of the Northern Premier League, McNeil, who works as a postman for his day job, believes they are strong enough to see off all challengers.

“I’ve seen Hednesford first hand and they were a big, strong team who can play a bit but I think we have much more quality,” he said.

“We haven’t seen Northwich yet but as long as we are on our game, we shouldn’t have to worry about anyone else.”