Nic Corrigan will continue to give youth a chance despite back-to-back defeats.

Chester fielded four players aged under 20 in the 30-6 loss to Macclesfield and director of rugby Corrigan feels the club will reap the benefits in the longer term.

His injury-hit side led 6-5 at half time but the hosts took full advantage of a strong wind after the break and ran out comfortable winners.

“Our physio is working as hard as he can and we are trying to get some of our players back but we aren’t going to rush them,” said Corrigan, whose side sit fifth in National League Two North.

“We had four under 20s out on the field against Macc and we are going to continue to give the young players an opportunity because we have good systems in place.”

George Nott, Angus Bowyer and Harrison Vare are among those to have impressed Corrigan and the club’s junior section continues to churn out talent.

Will Nelson kicked two first half penalties to give Chester a slender lead against Macc, with home prop Billy Robinson powering over in reply.

Macc took control in the second half with Matt King crossing twice and Tom Mantell adding another score.

“I thought Macc played their game very well and punished our lack of size a little bit,” said Corrigan.

“It was wet and windy and the pitch was a glue pot. It was difficult and we had some hard lads like Will Bown who put in big efforts and really felt it.

“Macc played very one directional rugby and it worked for them in the conditions.”

Chester had won seven games on the bounce before consecutive losses to Sedgley Park and Macclesfield.

Corrigan believes are still learning what it takes to compete with the top teams in the league but remains pleased with the progress his side has made this term.

“I think the last two weeks has shown us where we need to be,” he said.

“We have learned as the season has gone on and our performances now are better than the early part of the season.”

Chester welcome seventh-placed Leicester Lions to Hare Lane on Saturday (3pm) and Corrigan predicts a battle with the Midlanders claiming an impressive win last time out.

“They are coming here on the back of a great result against Sedgley Park so we know they will be up for it,” said Corrigan.

“Leicester have a good coach in  Jason Aldwinckle and they are going to be very physical and very quick.

“They will have a good scrum and it’s a huge game and a big test for us to see where are going in the second half of the season.”

Meanwhile, Corrigan has expressed his delight at seeing James Mitchell make his first team debut for Sale Sharks in the LV= Cup win over Worcester Warriors.

Scrum half Mitchell had a spell on loan at Hare Lane this season as part of Chester’s relationship with the Aviva Premiership club.

Corrigan said: “We're really happy for Mitch and there is a chance we might see him again this season, it just depends on what Steve Diamond and the guys at Sale have got planned for him."