Kieran Charnock and Steve Burr have been to the FA Cup third round together before and the defender hopes the pair can get there again eight years on.

Burr and his Northwich Victoria team, containing Charnock and the manager's current assistant Jon McCarthy, took on Sunderland in round three in January 2006.

Northwich battled hard at the Stadium of Light but the Premier League side got an early goal and finished up comfortable 3-0 winners.

Charnock has fond memories of the experience and, having linked up with Burr again in the summer after leaving Stockport County, would love another crack in the third round.

First the Blues, who shocked League Two side Southend United in round one, must spring another surprise at League One club Barnsley on Sunday (1pm) in the second round.

Charnock said: "It's a great opportunity to test yourself against a higher league club

"I've had a couple of decent runs. I think I've got to the third round a couple of times and probably the most enjoyable was with Northwich under the gaffer because obviously we were a smaller club and we got to play a Premier League club in front of a big crowd at their ground.

"It's a massive competition and steeped in history so hopefully we can go to Barnsley, do the club proud, bring some recognition to the club for getting that far and hopefully we can progress to the third round."

Preston-born Charnock marked himself out as one of the top defenders in non-league football under Burr at Northwich.

He won England C recognition and in 2007 moved into the Football League with Peterborough United for an undisclosed fee.

Charnock was loaned to Accrington Stanley but when he returned to London Road the Posh had been promoted to the Championship and he was sold to Torquay United.

He then had spells with Morecambe, Fleetwood Town, Macclesfield Town and Stockport but could not hold down a starting place for too long with injuries limiting his effectiveness.

Burr approached Charnock after his release from Stockport at the end of last season and the 30-year-old jumped at the chance to work with his former boss once again.

After an unconvincing pre-season, the centre back took his chance and has produced a series of excellent performances to win over his doubters and cement his place in the team.

He developed a good understanding with Michael Kay before suspension opened the door for Matty Brown, and he and Charnock are now the established first choice.

"I've got a lot of respect for the gaffer and as soon as I knew he was interested I wanted to come," said Charnock.

"I thought I'd played my best football under the gaffer and I think he can get the best out of me so I was delighted to sign.

"I had a difficult few seasons really with a lot of niggling injuries but to be honest I know how to manage myself better now and hopefully I'm doing a good job for Chester and I continue to do so.

"It's good to have competition because it means you can't just sit back and take your place for granted.

"Me and Michael struck up a good partnership and we had a good run of form and then obviously due to Michael's suspension Browny has come in and we've continued on really and we're playing well together.

"If we carry on in the same vein it'll be difficult for Michael to get his place back but that will keep us on our toes and competition is good for the club."

Kieran Charnock was part of Steve Burr's Northwich Victoria team that faced Sunderland in the FA Cup third round
Kieran Charnock was part of Steve Burr's Northwich Victoria team that faced Sunderland in the FA Cup third round