THE Carling Cup draw has handed Chester a mouthwatering first-round tie at home to Nottingham Forest.

The fixture has been pencilled in for Tuesday, August 15 and will see the two-time European Cup winners head to Chester for the first time since they were dumped out of the FA Cup by the Blues in December, 2005.

Ryan Lowe (2) and Marcus Richardson netted, handing Keith Curle's men a 3-0 win to send them in to round three.

Fans with longer memories may recall that the sides met in League Cup combat in 1988, when Brian Clough's Forest had a 10-0 aggregate victory over two legs.

Chester boss Bobby Williamson said: 'Forest are a big name and they've got a big tradition.

'I know we played them in the FA Cup a couple of years ago and if we could get a similar result it would be welcome, but I'm expecting it to be a bit more difficult.

'They most certainly should be a Championship side at least so hopefully they'll underestimate us.'

Williamson is looking forward to pitting his wits against Forest boss and fellow Scot Colin Calderwood, not to mention the club's latest signing - former Celtic skipper Neil Lennon.

The Chester manager said: 'I know Colin from our coaching courses up in Scotland. I know Neil Lennon has just joined the club as well so he will be a good addition for them.'