CHESTER head to relegation rivals Stockport tomorrow in search of a survival lifeline.

The Hare Lane outfit did not have a fixture last Saturday but they suffered a blow when they learnt that Stockport had won at Hull to move four points clear of the bottom two.

Chester coach Matt Farr said: 'It was a bad result for us. It makes our job a lot more difficult but I am confident we can win.

'We had a setback against Westoe two weeks ago but we had made five changes to the side.

'This time we have almost a full squad to choose from.'

The only player missing for Chester tomorrow is Liam Lawton and he will be replaced by a South African, Morne Barnardo, at outside centre.

'He is a very handy player and knows exactly what he is doing so we will not be struggling to adapt or accommodate him,' said Farr. 'We are able to pick pretty much the team that beat Altrincham a few weeks ago.

'We put in a towering performance then. Our forwards were more than a match for them in conditions which were against them and the backs did what they will do to most sides if they get good ball, they punished them.'

Farr and director of rugby Steve Donovan will be hoping Chester's talented back division are on their game at Stockport's Memorial Ground tomorrow.

Farr said: 'I think if we beat Stockport it will be by playing through our backs effectively.

'They are growing in confidence and are capable of frightening opposition defences with their pace.

'We are facing a tough relegation battle but we need to focus on the job in hand and take each game as it comes.

'The last thing we need are players freezing on the day. If everyone turns up and gives their all I believe we will beat Stockport and ultimately survive.'