Jon McCarthy has set his Chester FC side a target of 15 points from their next 10 games.

The Blues emerged from a tough opening 10 games with 11 points following Tuesday night’s 2-0 win at home to struggling Guiseley - one point ahead of McCarthy’s target of 10 from the period.

Chester face a struggling Braintree Town side on Saturday at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium (3pm) before travelling across the border the following weekend to take on rivals Wrexham, a side who have come under fire from their own supporters this season despite a mid-table position.

And with Chester being part-time, McCarthy says that it has been a case of playing catch up but believes that the Blues are now narrowing the gap.

“I’ve talked about having 10 points after 10 games and that is 11 now and that is one hurdle where we are slightly ahead,” said McCarthy, who was pleased with his side’s display in the win over Guiseley.

“I’m not daft, I know that’s not a massive return but I think that, with the club not being full-time, it takes a little bit longer to catch up so to be there in this position is a good starting point.

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“We would look to be on 25 points after 20 games. That would be a good return. To get three points on Saturday would be big for the club and set it up nicely.

“On the horizon we know that the Wrexham game is coming up and we want to be in a comfortable, healthy position going into that game so we can really concentrate on Wrexham.”

McCarthy had to name a makeshift backline yet again for the visit of Guiseley with Sam Hughes getting his first start of the season at the centre of defence, replacing the injured Blaine Hudson.

Injuries to Hudson, Evan Horwood and long-term absentee Ross Killock have given McCarthy plenty of selection headaches at the back.

But despite such headaches, McCarthy has been pleased with how his side has adapted and insisted that the club would not be looking for reinforcements.

““I know what my squad is and we have to adapt,” said the Blues boss.

“I’ve had a lot of problems with full backs. We’ve had injuries, suspensions, broken noses, broken wrists and it can seem a little bit unfair. At some point you are going to have to have it and we are willing to adapt.

“There is a culture and an ethic that I’m trying to create. It’s this group and we won’t go looking outside and trying to bring others in. We’ve spent however many weeks preparing them and teaching them how we want to do it.

“Hopefully I get some people fit and back for Saturday but I’m really pleased with the group.”