CHESTER-LE-STREET aim to write themselves into the history books by becoming the first North-East team to reach the last eight of the FA Women's Cup.

Standing in their path are Bristol Rovers but Chester's general manager Bill Godward believes his team can make it.

He said: "We are in with a shout. We have beaten two teams from a division higher and our opponents this time are in a league equivalent to the one in which we play."

In the previous round Chester beat Welsh club Newport County in a penalty shoot-out and among their previous conquests were Sheffield Wednesday.

Chester are rubbing shoulder with the big names of women's football, such as Doncaster Belles and Arsenal who are both involved in fifth-round ties on Sunday.

And Chester, travelling down tomorrow, have received a double boost ahead of the club's biggest game.

They have signed three new players - although only one is eligible - and have received a cash boost for what is proving a very expensive season.

The trio are Scottish international Claire Ward, a midfielder who is a student at the women's football academy based at Peterlee and so too is striker Amy O'Brien and Louise Allwood, a utility player, transferring from Manchester City. Ward is waiting for the all clear from Scottish club Ayr United while O'Brien is ready to play.

The trip is costing Chester £640 but this time they have been backed by Clem's Fish and Chip Restaurant in Chester and Sunderland.

And that is a big step forward for Chester who have been appealing for help in what is becoming the best season in the club's history.