Colchester United must beware one of the most prolific marksman in non-league football tomorrow when they entertain Chester.

Daryl Clare has plenty of experience in the Nationwide League, having played for Grimsby, Northampton and Cheltenham.

But it was last season that he really carved out a reputation for himself, blasting 24 goals for Boston in the Conference.

Chester snapped him up at the end of last month and the pacy frontrunner has already established himself at the Deva Stadium.

He scored twice on his debut in a 2-2 draw against league leaders Yeovil and followed that up by scoring the only goal in Saturday's 1-0 success at Stevenage.

Clare is likely to be joined up front by another feared non-league marksman, Ryan Sugden.

The former Scarborough man, who started his career with Oldham, signed for Chester in June and is the club's top scorer with 13 goals.

Chester boss Mark Wright used his connections at Oxford to good effect this summer, to the extent that three of his key defenders joined from the Kassam Stadium.

More recently, City have been operating with three at the back and those in the rearguard Phil Bolland, Wayne Hatswell and Scott Guyet all arrived from Oxford.

Behind them, keeper Wayne Brown is one of the longest serving players at Chester, having made in excess of 200 appearances.

The five in midfield are likely to be spearheaded by Ben Davies, Wright's first summer signing back in July.

The playmaker used to be with Kidderminster and Walsall.

Shaun Carey is another experienced midfielder, having signed from Rushden and Diamonds.

John Brady was also signed from the Northamptonshire side.

Kevin McIntyre arrived in the close season from Doncaster Rovers while Phil Carden is in his second spell with the club, having kicked off his career with Blackpool.

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Published Friday November 15, 2002

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