CHESTER FC’s players have been told to up their efforts against the Evo-Stik League’s lesser lights – or risk falling behind in the First Division North title race.

The Blues’ worst performances of the season have been against strugglers Garforth Town and Prescot Cables.

Although they scraped to victory over Garforth, they had to settle for a point against a determined Cables side on Saturday on an afternoon when leaders Chorley extended their unbeaten start to nine matches.

Chester boss Neil Young said: “I think one or two of our lads just thought they could turn up and the three points would be put in the bag, but as I’ve said on many occasions, if you don’t turn up in this league you will not win games of football.

“There are a lot of proud teams in this league and no more so than Prescot, as we seen on Saturday. They came to us and got what they wanted – and possibly could have got more.

“We haven’t got the divine right to go out and beat teams.”

Two changes have been made to Chester’s fixture list.

The visit of Leigh Genesis to the Exacta Stadium has been moved from Wednesday, October 20 to a week on Saturday (October 16), while the match at Curzon Ashton on Tuesday, November 30 will now be played on Saturday, December 18 (both 3pm).

Midfield man Danny Mahoney has left the Blues. The former Wigan Athletic trainee failed to make an impact at the Exacta Stadium and has returned to one of his former clubs and Chester’s league rivals, Bamber Bridge.

He was man of the match for Brig in their 1-0 defeat at Radcliffe Borough on Saturday.

City Fans United’s next members’ meeting takes place tonight in the Blues Bar at the Exacta Stadium (8pm start).

There is a quiz to raise funds for Chester FC at the Blues Bar on Thursday, October 28.

There will be a selection of Blues, sports and general knowledge questions, with plenty of prizes to be won.

Entry is £1 per person. The bar opens at 7.45pm, with the quiz beginning at 8.30pm.