DAN Harding today warned Ipswich Town supporters not to expect an easy ride in next Tuesday's FA Cup third round replay against Chester at Portman Road.

By Elvin King

DAN Harding today warned Ipswich Town supporters not to expect an easy ride in next Tuesday's FA Cup third round replay against Chester at Portman Road.

Left-back Harding was one of the few bright lights in Town's drab display in a 0-0 draw that the home side dominated for long periods.

“Chester are a good side,” said 23-year-old Harding. “They are physically strong, fit and full of running.

“It will not be easy in the replay, and we will have to match them. It was not a particularly good performance by us on Saturday.”

Harding, who limped away from the ground on Saturday with a bruised foot, is expected to be fit for Saturday's Championship match at Sunderland.

He found plenty of space down the left side at the peculiarly named Saunders Honda Stadium, and added: “We worked on it in training last week.

“The plan was for both full backs to venture forward and make chances with crosses from the flanks. It was a way to win the game.”

Shane Supple and Chris Casement are both possibly starters for tomorrow night's Combination game against MK Dons at Portman Road.

Neither expects to start at the Stadium of Light at the weekend.

“Lewis (Price) has a slight strain and I am sure he will be okay for Saturday,” said Supple, who kept his second clean sheet of the season.

“Lewis is playing well. I knew earlier in the week that I was playing and it was great to be back involved again.

“I was happy enough with my performance, but it was not the result we wanted.

“With respect to Chester it is a game we expected to win.

“I have not played many games over the last six or seven weeks and it took me a little while to get up to match sharpness, but I felt better as the game went on.

Belfast-born Casement, who will be 19 on Friday, said: “It was not an easy game to play in.

“I am thankful to the gaffer for showing faith in me.

“I was pretty average and if I am to play regular first-team football I have a long way to improve.

“We upped our game in the second period and hopefully I can be involved in the replay.”