Saturday's Blue Square North preview

League leaders Kettering Town prepare for the visit of Burscough while Alfreton play host to second-placed AFC Telford.

Alfreton Town v AFC Telford

Alfreton Town can expect a stern test this Saturday when second-placed AFC Telford United make the trip to Impact Arena.

The Reds have seen their last two fixtures postponed due to bad weather and will be hoping that plummeting temperatures won't lead to Saturday's fixture being called off.

A difficult game is in prospect though as Telford's run of form since Christmas time has catapulted them to second place with just two defeats in their last 12 league outings.

They have however, lost two of their last four on the road and five games on their travels so far.

The Bucks are buoyed by news that Michael Husbands, Luke Reynolds and Richard Teesdale are all fit to play.

However, Carl Rodgers is sidelined with a calf injury and Vaughan Thomas is on the treatment table with a hamstring complaint.

Blue SQ have odds of 13/2 on this match ending in a 1-1 draw.

Barrow v Blyth Spartans

Mid-table Barrow prepare for the visit of relegation-threatened Blyth Spartans, who are looking to extend their unbeaten run in the league to seven games.

The Bluebirds currently occupy 11th place on the Blue Square North table and have recorded 40 points from 28 fixtures.

They still have an outside chance of gaining a play-off spot but will need to win their next to fixtures to keep their promotion hopes alive.

Blue SQ have given the hosts odds of 7/1 on a 2-1 victory.

Gainsborough v Harrogate Town

Gainsborough Trinity prepare for the visit of high-flying Harrogate Town to the Northolme this weekend and can expect a tough game.

Gainsborough will be in good spirits after beating league leaders Kettering Town at home recently and have only suffered one defeat in their last seven league games.

Liam Nimmo has turned down the offer to join Boston Utd while Alex Rodman recently signed for Nuneaton Borough.

Harrogate will be keen to solidify their promotion credentials with a good performance and both sets of supporters can expect an interesting battle.

Blue SQ have given the visitors odds of 10/1 on a 2-0 win.

Hinckley Utd v Southport

Relegation-threatened Hinckley United will be keen to return to winning ways when high flyers Southport make the trip to Marstons Stadium.

Hinckley narrowly missed out on promotion last term but have struggled this term and find themselves in trouble after last weekend's home defeat to Barrow.

Southport boss Peter Davenport has a full squad to select from for the trip to Hinckley.

There are slight doubts over the availability of Matt Hocking, who will undergo a late fitness test.

Blue SQ have odds of 6/1 on this encounter ending in a 1-1 draw.

Hucknall v Stalybridge

Relegation-threatened Hucknall Town prepare for the visit of play-off hopefuls Stalybridge Celtic to Watnall Road on Saturday.

Hucknall are expected to hand debuts to new signings Mick Galloway and Peter Knox, who have joined the Yellows from Workington and Alfreton respectively.

Celtic have clinched the services of Halifax wide man Steve Torpey on loan until the end of the season and he goes straight into the squad for Saturday's clash.

Barrie Keeling is back in contention after recovering from a broken arm and will be pushing for a place.

Skipper Steve Payne is still absent with a back problem, but he is expected to be back in contention next week.

Blue SQ have given the visitors odds of 8/1 on 2-1.

Hyde v Worcester

Promotion hopefuls Hyde United play host to Worcester City at Ewen Fields as they look to solidify their play-off spot.

The Tigers are currently in fifth place, having collected 51 points from 30 fixtures.

Hyde have signed two loan players in the last week with Shane Killock joining from Huddersfield and Andrew Teague from Macclesfield.

Worcester hope that captain Chris Smith will return after several weeks out with a re-occuring injury.

Apart from long-term injury victims Danny McDonnell, Shabir Khan and Mark Danks, manager Richard Dryden has full squad to choose from.

Blue SQ have odds of 13/2 on the match ending in a 1-1 draw.

Kettering v Burscough

League leaders Kettering Town will be keen to further extend their lead when Liam Watson's Burscough visit the A-Line Arena.

The Poppies hold a six-point lead over second-placed Telford but have an extra game in hand.

Burscough manager Liam Watson will be hoping his side can pull off a surprise result and build on their 5 game unbeaten run against a very strong Kettering Town side.

Craig Noone, Chris Price and James Dunn are all available for the Linnets while Earl Davis could also play some part in the fixture.

Farrell Kilbane will miss the visit to Kettering Town as he serves the final game of a three-match suspension.

Blue SQ have given the home side odds of 7/1 on a 2-1 win.

Workington v Boston Utd

Workington were beaten by the Pilgrims on the first day of the season and will be focused on recording a win this time around.

Boston United will be minus the services of Tony Crane (hamstring) and Jon Froggatt (back) and young utility player Adam Millson has been added to the squad.

New signing Hakeem Araba is also in line to make his United debut while Sam Gaughran comes back into the reckoning for a midfield role after missing last weekend's victory over Solihull Moors.

Blue SQ have odds of 13/2 on this match ending in a 1-1 draw.