DROYLSDEN boss Dave Pace believes Chesterfield counterpart Lee Richardson is playing mind games ahead of their FA Cup tie this weekend.

Richardson has said his side will not be going into the game as favourites despite playing two divisions above the Bloods.

That claim is based on witnessing Droylsden’s first round replay win at the Butcher’s Arms against a Darlington side second in Coca-Cola League Two, 10 places above the Spireites.

Richardson told the Derbyshire Times: "Droylsden were better than Darlington and they deserved their victory. It is a good draw for us but it will be a very tough game for us.  Once they scored the goal against Darlington they just got better and better. They had that little bit of belief, which makes all the difference in cup ties.  'Nine times out of 10 we would fancy ourselves against Droylsden but when we meet I do not think there will be any favourites. The game will be open to the footballing gods."

However, Pace countered: "I think he’s covering his back to say the least. I’d swap him to have the benefit of home advantage. However, we’re going to have to be on top our game and perform like we did in both games against Darlington."

While Darlington’s home form had given them cause to believe they were favourites to defeat the Bloods, it is hard to make the same case for Chesterfield.

Nine league games this season have brought a trio of wins, draws and defeats to leave them halfway in League Two.

Craig Mawson is rated as 70-30 to return for the Bloods with Pace confident of a fully-fit squad otherwise.