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 we 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."

Meanwhile, Wilson has bolstered his squad with the signing of George Melling from Clitheroe.

The versatile 20-year-old played five Conference matches for Altrincham this season before moving to Shawbridge.

"I have been watching George and made my move and I am delighted he agreed to move here," adds Wilson.

"He has played in the Conference this season which shows he is a decent player and I am very pleased he agreed to move here.

"He can play at right-back, centre-half or in midfield and that is just what we need at the moment.

"We have a light squad and I could possibly do with another new face but we will have to see what happens."

City were back in action last night (Tuesday) at Leigh RMI after their open date and that break gave Andrew Bond the chance to recover from his hamstring problems.