Spennymoor manager Jason Ainsley says that all their remaining games in the Vanarama National League North are cup finals beginning against Alfreton on Saturday.

Moors go into the game in eighth place in the table on the same points as Gateshead but with a worse goal difference, and a point behind Brackley. Opponents Alfreton have forced their way up the table in recent weeks into 13th with an outside chance of getting into the play off positions – a fair indication of how competitive the play off race is.

“Every game is a cup final from now until the end of the season,” he said.

“And every game is going to be tough – this is the business end of the season with twelve cup finals to play. To both teams, today’s game will be a cup final. Alfreton have had three very good recent games, we’ve won three and drawn two out of our last five.

“We have two successive home games now - -we’re at home to Telford next Saturday -- we need to maximise the opportunity.

“None of the teams involved in the play offs are going win every game between now and the end of the season, but I want to make sure that we get the wins under our belt now, instead of maybe going into the last game of the season maybe needing a win to seal a play off place. I want it to be all sorted by the last few games.

“There is something at stake in every game we play. We’re either playing a team that is going for the play offs, or playing one that is battling against relegation.”

Alfreton have improved in recent weeks and played in midweek, beating Leamington 1-0 to put them in 13th place.

Midfielder Shane Henry, defender Carl Magnay and winger Ben McKenna will all have fitness tests for Moors, but should be fit.

Moors away game at Southport, which was postponed last Saturday because of storm Dennis, has been re-arranged for Tuesday 24th March, kick off 7.45pm In the BetVictor North West League, Marske United are at home to Tadcaster, with both clubs chasing a play-off place. Manager Carl Jarrett said; “This is a massive game for us, because Tadcaster are just below us in the league.” Former Darlington midfielder Leon Scott has left the club by mutual consent.

In the same league, Dunston are at Brighouse.

In the BetVictor Premier Division, leaders South Shields are at home to Buxton, Whitby go to Matlock and Morpeth are at Stafford Rangers.