BULLISH Blues boss Neil Young believes his side can take a ‘massive’ step closer to the title by winning their next two matches.

Young reckons victories at Matlock Town on Saturday (3pm) and North Ferriby United on Tuesday (7.45pm) would leave a second straight championship in sight.

He said: “It’s all about the chalking the games off now.

“But I do believe these next two games will be pivotal to our season.

“If we can come through them unscathed we will give ourselves a fantastic opportunity – it would be massive for us.”

Chester have won their last four matches – scoring 14 goals in the process – and are unbeaten in seven.

But their lead at the top now stands at just five points after second-placed Northwich Victoria, who have played one game more, laboured to a win over rock-bottom Burscough on Tuesday.

Young said: “I do think it is now a two-horse race in terms of the title as we would both have to really slip up for any other team to win it.”

Young has agreed to send Stefan Cox back to Fleetwood Town.

The loan winger has found his opportunities limited of late due to the form of the other wide players in the Blues squad.

Cox’s departure gives Robbie Booth a chance to stake his claim.

Booth, who has been left out the last four matchday squads, has pleased the Chester coaching staff with his attitude and performances in training.

Young’s options have also been boosted by the return of Ashley Williams to competitive action after seven months out with a dislocated shoulder.

The midfielder impressed his manager when playing for the club’s youth team in their friendly against St Kevin’s Boys Club of Dublin on Sunday.

Young, whose career was ended by a similar injury, said: “He did really well and the St Kevin’s number seven won’t forget him a hurry after Ashley put in a really hard and strong tackle on him!

“He’s got the confidence back in himself and in his shoulder and now it’s just about getting his match fitness up.”

Young has pencilled in the visit of Whitby Town to the Exacta Stadium on Saturday week as a game in which Williams could feature.

That is also the earliest date key striker Matty McNeil (knee) will return to action.