Hughes has seen his struggling side lose all seven of their games in Division One so far this term conceding 30 goals in the process.

But Hughes hopes his team can start to turn the corner at Maghull in Division One.

He said: "I've got a squad of 14 players and our spirit is good despite the start we've had.

"All the lads' heads have been up in training, we're focused, and we're all keen to get a victory under our belts.

"It will be a tough game, but if we play well, if we're disciplined and focused, we should do well."

Hughes is hoping to welcome back strikers Will Collins and Clark Davies for the trip to Maghull, and Paul Haselden will be available after nursing an ankle injury.

Christleton will be aiming to bounce back tomorrow at home to Cammell Laird reserves after last weekend's 2-1 home defeat against Ellesmere Port.

Team boss, Paul Hughes, saw skipper Sean O'Rourke score the Little Heath club's consolation goal.

Christleton are currently sixth from bottom in Division One after winning just two of their opening eight matches.

Fifth-placed Upton AA travel to Ellesmere Port on the back of their 2-1 weekend defeat at Vauxhall Motors reserves.

Upton boss, Dave Wright, is hoping his side can strengthen their position in Division One after watching Simon Andrews grab his team's consolation goal at Motors.

Upton have only lost one of their opening eight league matches and could leapfrog into second league spot if they secure a victory.

But Wright is just hoping he has enough players turn up for the game.

"We had to draft in former manager John Cadwallader on the bench last week," said Wright. "We had a number of players who couldn't make it for genuine reasons so hopefully we'll have a full squad to pick from."

Martin Gaulton could be one of those players to return at Ellesmere Port.

Blacon Youth Club reserves, currently bottom of the Division Three table, entertain Southport Trinity reserves in their Division Three Shield first round tie.

Christleton reserves travel to Manor Athletic in Division Three, and second bottom St Werburghs play host to Mersey Royal.

Chester Nomads face Robin Hood in their Chester District FA Senior Cup
first round tie.