Spennymoor manager Jason Ainsley is looking for a big improvement in his side when they face Stafford Rangers at the Brewery Field today.

Moors lost their 100 per cent home record when they were beaten 1-0 by Whitby in midweek, leaving them sixth in the table but with game in hand on all the clubs above them.

“We need to bounce back after a very disappointing performance on Tuesday, we were nowhere near our best, and didn’t create many chances at all.

“Stafford are one of the big clubs in this league – it’s not so long ago that they were playing in the division above – and so we’re expecting a very tough game.

“There were a few words said at training on Thursday night, and the players are raring to go and put Tuesday’s game behind them.”

Centre half Joe Tait is out because of a groin injury that forced him off the field midway through the first half on Tuesday, while midfielder Rob Ramshaw is expected to pass a late fitness test.

Former Spennymoor midfielder David Curry, who was part of the all conquering Moors team in the 70s and also reached the FA Trophy final in 1978, has died. He won three Northern League championship medals, as well as the Durham Challenge Cup and Northern League Cup.

Whitby, who climbed to third in midweek, are at Stourbridge, while Blyth, who surprisingly lost at Frickley in midweek, are at Corby Town.

Tom Wade has stood down as Blyth manager, so former Middlesbrough and Darlington striker Alun Armstrong has taken over.