Director of rugby Nic Corrigan has challenged Chester to prove they belong in National League Two North.
The Hare Lane side suffered a first defeat of the season on Saturday (October 5) as they lost at home to Sedgley Park.
Corrigan branded the performance as ‘unacceptable’ as the home side failed to recover from a start which saw them 15-3 down after just 15 minutes.
Tries from Pete Towers and Pete Rees gave Chester a foothold in the game but Sedgley Park extended their lead at the break.
Corrigan was left to rue his side’s mistakes in crucial areas and says they must show that they deserve their place at the level again – starting with Saturday’s game with Macclesfield (October 12).
“I think we’re frustrated more than anything,” said Corrigan.
“Our performance wasn’t acceptable and the players know that.
“The reality is that if we want to compete in this league then we need to up our physicality.
“Sedgley Park bullied us and so we have got to improve in the contact area and ruck area. If we don’t then Macclesfield will expose us.
“We need to go back to exactly what was winning us games to start off.
“We need to be absolutely clear on what we are doing because on Saturday it was clear that we didn’t.
“We now have the opportunity to really confirm that we can play in this league.
“I am looking for a performance on Saturday.”
Macclesfield head to Chester neck-and-neck, with leaders Stourbridge having won all five of their opening matches.
Only points difference is keeping them off top spot.
Corrigan expects a challenging afternoon at Hare Lane but has challenged his side to match the high-flyers.
“Macclesfield will come at us with their big pack and they have decent backs,” Corrigan added.
“It is a test. People are coming to test us and we have to meet that front on.
“They are a team that deserve to be respected and we have got to earn their respect as well.
“The first we have not done that was on Saturday.
“I need to see a performance in every session this week.
“The lads need to perform to get a shirt on Saturday and I’m looking for character from the players.
“I want to see players with a winning mind-set and not wallowing in self pity.
“I can forgive mistakes but we can’t make the same mistakes twice. That is when I would look at personnel.”