Spennymoor manager Jason Ainsley says that his team mustn’t lose when Leamington come to the Brewery Field on Saturday afternoon.

Moors come into the game in ninth place in the table, having won just once in their last six league games, against Darlington on New Year’s Day. They are now behind Gateshead on goal difference, and one point below seventh placed Guiseley.

However, Ainsley is optimistic that they will pick up the three points today. “I thought we played very well at Kidderminster last Saturday, even though we drew 1-1,” he said.

“However, to make up for dropping points away from home, we need to pick up wins at home.

“But Leamington are a resolute side who have done well in recent weeks and climbed the table. We should have beaten them at their place earlier in the season in the league, we had the chances to win the game, but we let them back into it. They are a hard working team, so we will have to match them.

“We can’t afford anything less than three points, as far as I’m concerned, the result is more important than the performance. We can’t afford to lose more ground on the leading pack.”

This will be the third time that the clubs have met this season. Leamington won 2-1 in the FA Trophy, and a fortnight later, the two sides drew 2-2.

Defender Carl Magnay is still suffering from an infection, while midfielder Ben McKenna will have a fitness test.

Ainsley was less than pleased with his second string’s performance in the 1-1 draw with West Auckland in the Durham Challenge Cup on Tuesday.

“Some players didn’t perform as well as they should, so my team selection for today’s game has been made a bit easier.”

Leamington manager Paul Holleran won the December manager of the month award for the division, after they climbed into the top half of the table. They have won three and drawn two of their twelve away league games this season, and in their last two matches have drawn with Chester and Gateshead.

In the BetVictor NPL North West Division, Marske United are at home to Prescot Cables.

They include new striker Lucas Bell from Darlington, while midfielder Leon Scott returns to the squad. Another midfielder, Lewis Maloney, is suspended.

Manager Carl Jarrett said; “Hopefully the game will go ahead, we can’t afford to have another game called off.”

Also in the North West League, Dunston are at home to Clitheroe.

In the NPL Premier, leaders South Shields are at home to Witton Albion, Morpeth are at Basford, and Whitby are away to Warrington.