BRYAN Chambers has urged Lee Collings, boss of whipping boys Durham City, to keep his chin up – but warned the Yellows will pull no punches when the sides meet tomorrow.

The north-east club have gone from riches to rags when their main financial backer pulled out on the eve of the new season.

They withdrew their interest after learning Durham would be unable to win promotion any higher because of their artificial pitch.

It means City, who won the UniBond Division One North title last season, have been forced to flood their side with youngsters after all their star players left.

The result has been 18 defeats from 18 games, including a recent 11-0 drubbing at King's Lynn as the team have scored just ten times, conceding 95.

Chambers has the greatest sympathy for Collings, having been in a similar situation himself when in charge at Eastwood.

He says the Scholars boss must keep the faith because better times could be just around the corner.

"I feel very sorry for those at Durham and what has happened because I have been in that situation," said Chambers.

"We were once beaten 7-1 because we had to play a load of kids and we were working on a shoestring budget.

"We did get relegated, but then the season after Keith Smith came in as chairman and we won the league and also got to the semi-final of the FA Vase.

"It is tough, but I'm sure Lee will be getting some enjoyment from seeing some of the young lads develop.

"He already deserves some credit for sticking around and hopefully he might get his reward next season and they can do well if they do get relegated.

"But we won't be doing them any favours when they come to our place.

"We need the points to get ourselves away from the bottom as much as we can. That has to be our initial aim."

Hucknall were beaten by Boston United in the UniBond Challenge Cup in midweek.

But they were victorious last weekend in the league as they won 2-1 at high-flying Ashton United.

"I know we only won it in the last minute with a penalty, but it was no more than we deserved.

"We could have been 4-1 up at that stage because we put three in midfield to their two and bossed the game.

"What it did show is that we have great character in the team and they never know when to give in."

Joe Ward will return from suspension to be available while Adie Hawes (leg) and Lee Whittington (hamstring) could also be back in the mix.