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Monday 31st October 2005

Kessell: I'm ready for Chester

Tony Kessell became the first visiting goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet against Fisher Athletic in the Ryman Premier League at Champion Hill this season but admitted he'll be kept on his toes next Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 26-year-old Folkestone Invicta stopper made impressive saves denying Charlie Hearn and Hamid Barr as Neil Cugley's side earned a deserved point in a hard fought goal-less draw.

But Kessell admits playing two sides in the top three of their league - Worthing and Fisher - is good preparation for their FA Cup First Round tie at League Two outfit Chester City.

Kessell told www.kentishfootball.co.uk: "The Fisher game was a good test for us. They were going to play a lot of football and have players that have played in the Football League. They kept the ball well and it will probably be the same again next week.

"Chester are going to be a lot better than Fisher," he warned. "But we've held our own and we're going to sustain a lot of pressure next week."

Like all underdogs in the world's greatest cup competition, keeping it tight at the back is crucial.

"If we can hold on and get over that first hurdle until half-time and after that you don't know - we may nick one at the end," predicted the shaven headed goalkeeper.

"It's going to be difficult obviously, but it's going to be a nice day out."

Invicta will be making a weekend of it, leaving on Friday and returning on Sunday, a day before their return to Champion Hill for a third round tie in the Westview Cup against Wayne Burnett's side.

"We can go to Chester - hold our heads up high and hopefully we'll be able to put them under pressure at the same time," added Kessell.

For the latest Chester City news visit www.chestercityfc.net

Chester City v Folkestone Invicta
FA Cup First Round
Saturday 5th November 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Saunders Honda Stadium, Bumpers Lane, Chester, Cheshire
CH1 4LT