Ask most footballers after a defeat and they will tell you the next match cannot come around quick enough.

And that was certainly the vibe coming out of the Chester FC camp after their nine-match unbeaten league run was ended by Lincoln City last Saturday.

But, having had time to dwell on the 5-2 defeat, Blues boss Jon McCarthy believes an enforced break will do his injury and suspension-hit squad good.

For the first time this season, Chester do not have a game this weekend after attempts to bring forward the visit of North Ferriby United on November 29 proved unsuccessful.

Not that they will be putting their feet up; not with a mouthwatering derby clash at Tranmere Rovers to prepare for.

Craig Mahon is airborne after being tripped by Steve Jennings for Chester FC at Tranmere Rovers last season
Craig Mahon is airborne after being tripped by Steve Jennings for Chester FC at Tranmere Rovers last season

While McCarthy jokes his players will not be made to 'run up hills at Delamere Forest', they are in for another hard week's work which starts with a behind-closed-doors friendly with Morecambe tomorrow..

Two more sessions will follow before the Blues will rest up for their trip to Prenton Park, where they will look to get back on track.

"It is a chance to put a little bit of strength into the group and get a little bit of recovery," said McCarthy of the two-week spell without a match.

"There will be a lot of hard work and intensity. Nothing silly like running up hills at Delamere Forest but it will be intensive.

"We did try and rearrange North Ferriby but I'm glad that hasn't happened now.

"The stuff that has happened before has gone and now it's just Tranmere that we are focused on.

"Hopefully I have shown them a pathway of what they could achieve if they grow, and believe me I am looking at that top end of the table.

"But in order for people to get to the end of a journey and reach a target they have to be able to see it and break it down into smaller steps.

"There needs to be a picture and that has been a lot of our focus this week.

"I was disappointed with the result on Saturday but actually really excited by what this side can achieve now."