GARRY Flitcroft will tell his Chorley players that big games and big crowds are why they are at the club as his side collide with Chester in the Evo-Stik League clash of the season tomorrow.

A crowd of more than 3,000 will cram into Victory Park for the showdown between the main contenders in the race for the First Division North title – but the former Blackburn star has no concerns about his men being taken in by the atmosphere, or their ability to hit their peak in the heat of the biggest match of the campaign.

“They are a good bunch,” said Flitcroft. “All the squad are capable of going out there and winning games for us – and they will all cope with this game.

“A lot of the players were used to playing in front of 60s, 70s and 80s at their old clubs but when I signed them I told them to expect days like this. Chester is a huge game – but games like this is the reason why I came to Chorley.

“I knew there was great potential here but even I’ve been surprised by the level of support we’ve been getting.”

Tuesday’s draw at Skelmersdale, courtesy of Andrew Teague’s leveller in the fourth minute of stoppage time, means Chorley are six points behind Chester with a game in hand.

And Flitcroft reckons his men hold all the aces. “They will want a spot of revenge after we beat them over at Chester,” he said.

“But we are a good side and I know what my lads can do man for man.

“The pressure is on Chester. They know that if they lose we are right on their tails - and there is a lot of football still to be played this season.

“Chester know that if they lose to us they cannot afford to have a bad run between now and the end of the season - and that’s a big ask for anyone because teams always have a bad patch in a season.

“So yes, the pressure is big for them.”

Chester will be backed by 1,100 travelling fans in the plus 3,000 crowd with tickets on sale at Chorley’s club office today between 11am and 3pm and from 6.30pm until late.

Season ticket holders need to present their season ticket in the office in order to collect your ticket for the game and proof of local residency will be required when purchasing tickets.

And Flitcroft is delighted with the buzz around the town.

“I knew this club had the potential - but this game is all that people are talking about,” he said.

“It will be great to break through the 3,000 barrier,” he said.

“A lot of Blackburn and Bolton fans have adopted us as their second club this season and with neither of those two clubs playing, it would be great if they got behind us this weekend and became our 12th man.”