Boss says it will be interesting to see the mind-set of his players when fatigue hits home

David Artell says that tonight’s Cheshire Senior Cup tie at Hyde United could have come at a better time on the back of our Under-23 fixture against Nottingham Forest yesterday but he admits it will be a good test for his players.

Alex Morris’ side take on Hyde United in the last four of the competition with either our near neighbours Nantwich Town or Warrington Town awaiting in the final if can progress.

Artell told the club’s official web-site: “It has been a demanding schedule with the trips to Hartlepool and Portsmouth and the Under-23 game yesterday and the game tonight, but that is football and I wouldn’t swap it for the world.

“Of course, it is not ideal to have two games in two days because some of those lads will have to feature again tonight but it will be a good test for them. I think the Cheshire Cup games, like the Stockport County one in the previous round was a step up from U-23 football and they learned a lot from it.

“It was far closer to the standard expected at first team level and it was better for their development to be playing against men and getting through extra-time.

“When their bodies are fatigued this evening it will be interesting to see the decisions they make and who comes through.”