PHIL Wilson is looking forward to a meeting with his old mates at Giant Axe on Saturday but he knows those old friends could make his life difficult.

Wilson's Lancaster City side tackle Northwich Victoria - a club he played for and managed - in the Conference North match of the day in front of an anticipated bumper crowd.

The Vics have only lost once all season with City only beaten twice in the league.

In addition to the Northwich run of form they dumped City's near neighbours Morecambe out of the FA Cup at Christie Park on Saturday.

"It was a superb result for Northwich on Saturday," says Wilson. "It's a real achievement to beat a Conference team and shows what a good side they are."

"And it proves what a test the game is for us. Northwich are a Conference side in their own right and were only relegated on a technicality and we all know they are hard to beat.

"But at the same time it is the sort of game that we will relish.

"We love to go out against the good sides in the league and at the end of Saturday's game we will have a real good idea of how we are doing at the moment.

"It is a superb yardstick, a real test for my players."

Matt Donlan