Chester FC defender Ryan Astles is expecting his side to face a tough test at Witton Albion in the FA Trophy first round on Saturday.
A former Northwich Victoria player, Astles is likely to come in for some stick from home fans at Wincham Park, with Witton and the Vics fierce rivals.
But the 22-year-old, the only Chester player to be an ever present in the starting line-up this season, is just focused on getting the job done against the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League side, and booking their place in round two.
Said Astles: "I played for Northwich and they are big rivals. They are a tough team and they beat another team the other day (Boston United) who are in a higher league so it will be another tough game.
"We will just go in the game, play the way we do and take it as if it was a league game. We won't be thinking we will be able to roll them over.
"We've just got to go in and not take anything for granted."
Chester's defensive rearguard has been one of the cornerstones of their success this season and the Blues have kept 12 clean sheets in the National League so far this term, a record shared jointly with league leaders Tranmere Rovers.
Astles has been partnered with both Blaine Hudson, Sam Hughes and Luke George at the heart of defence this season, but regardless of who he plays alongside, the big defender says that it is a team effort.
"It starts from the front two and works its way through the team," he said.
"Obviously we have been defending well and not conceding too many but if the front two work hard and the midfield work hard then we all do well.
Astles has played in front of three keepers this season, with Liam Roberts, Jon Worsnop and, most recently, Alex Lynch all playing between the sticks for the Blues.
The Blues are currently eight points off the play-off places in the Vanarama National League but have consistently exceeded expectations this season.
And Astles believes that the sky is the limit for Jon McCarthy's young side, but isn't getting too carried away.
"We can go as high as we want," said Astles.
"We can beat anyone on our day, as you have seen this season, but we will just take one game at a time, pick up the three points and move on to the next one."
