By Jeff King
It could hardly be tougher as United look to advance to the quarter-finals of The Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup. They are at home but the visitor's are First Division Boro Rangers on Tuesday.
Not just First Division opposition but a team having an excellent season and who sit 2nd top of the First Division with 61 points from 32 games made up of 19 wins 4 draws and 9 defeats scoring 72 goals and conceding 48.
They also have the First Division's leading marksman in their ranks. Stuart Rose is having a phenomenal season with 36 league goals to his credit and a further 6 recorded in other competitions. He may even have more as their scorers against Albion Sports in the FA Vase are not recorded!
Rangers have reached the third round by putting out two Second Division sides in their previous games. In Round 1 they won 2 - 0 away at Sunderland RCA and in Round 2 beat high-flying Jarrow FC 2 - 0 at home.
So, clearly United have a tough task on their hands but with the form they are in and confidence high they'll be relishing the chance to play against top class higher league opposition.
United were unlucky last Saturday as they completely dominated the game at Bedlington Terriers but just couldn't find a way through a dogged Terriers defence and had to settle for a 0 - 0 draw. It felt like two points dropped.
With Thornaby and Esh Winning both losing United could have gone fourth in the league had they managed to find a winning goal. In the end a point kept them in 5th place and they are now level on 60 points with Esh.
Chester have also beaten two (fellow) Second Division sides to get to this stage of the competition. They put out Esh Winning in the first round on penalties on the road after the game had ended 2 - 2 and then in the next round beat Grangetown Boys Club 2 - 1 at home.
It's going to be a very intriguing contest indeed and one well worth a watch with a 7:45pm kick-off.
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