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Saturday's Blue Square North Preview

AFC Telford United host Blyth Spartans while Southport host newly promoted Gloucester in the pick of Saturday's Blue Square North action.

AFC Telford v Blyth Spartans

AFC Telford United will look to get their Blue Square North season off to a winning start when they host Blyth Spartans.

The Bucks have showed some impressive pre-season form, but Smith knows this will count for nothing at New Bucks Head on Saturday.

He told the ShropshireStar: "We're ready to go.It all goes out of the window tomorrow if we don't carry that form into the league."

Blyth coach Nick Tait knows his side will have their hands full against a Bucks side that lost in the play-offs last term, but he is confident of their chances.

He told ic Newcastle.co.uk: "It is two tough games first up, but we are not fazed about facing two of the Blue Square North big guns and are looking forward to the challenge.

The Spartans boss will be without defender Darren Craddock, who is sidelined through injury and will miss the first three games of the season.

Corby v Harrogate Town

Newly-promoted Corby Town will be hoping to get life in the Blue Square North off to a positive start against Harrogate Town.

Corby will look to new recruits Mark Stallard and Paul Mayo to have a big impact this season starting at at Rockingham Triangle on Saturday.

But the Blue Square North newboys know they will be up against it on the weekend as they face a re-juvenated Harrogate side.

Sulphurites boss Simon Weaver told the Harrogate Advertiser: "I hope we can show that on the pitch and when it matters on Saturday.

"I've given the lads of a lot of encouragement and they're all really up for it.'

"I know their strengths and weaknesses fairly well."

Weaver's new signings Curtis Woodhouse, Warren Burrell and Chris Emms are all likely to feature.

Eastwood Town v Northwich

Newly promoted Eastwood Town entertain Northwich Victoria at Coronation Park on Saturday as they go in search of their first Blue Square North victory.

Badgers hitman Ian Holmes will be looking to pick up where he left off last term when he netted 22 goals in all competitions.

Town boss Paul Cox is likely to play new midfielders Martin Foster and Emeke Nwadike, but will noo doubt miss the experience of Ross Gardner and Andy Todd following their departure.

Andy Preece's charges will look for an immediate return to the Blue Square Premier after suffering the disappointment of relegation last season.

Preece will be boosted by the return of captain Simon Grand from an ankle injury, but will be without Ryan Brown (knee), Mark Cadwallader and Harry Winter, who are both banned.

Farsley Celtic v Alfreton Town

Farsley Celtic will be desperate to pick up as many three-pointers as they can this season starting with the game against Alfreton Town at Throstle Nest on Saturday.

Parsley told FarselyToday: "To stay up would be a massive achievement with the finances we have got in place and with the 10-point hit.

"We have got to claw the 10 points back sooner rather than later, then people can relax and we will have some momentum for the rest of the season. But at the same time, we can't let that distract us."

New recruits Matthew Young, Dave Syers, Liam Shepherd and Tom Claisse are likely to feature.

Reds mentor Nicky Law could hand new defender Richard Pell a start and is likely to stick to striking duo Paul Clayton and Liam Hearn, despite the arrival of new recruits Damian Reeves and Anthony Howell.

Southport v Gloucester

Gloucester City boss David Mehew is determined to cause an upset when they make the trip to Haig Avenue on Saturday.

Mehew knows that his side face an uphill task against a Southport side that narrowly missed out on promotion to the Blue Square Premier last term, but he is confident that his charges can put in a good showing.

He told ThisisGloucester: "Southport were in the North play-offs last season and they see themselves as Conference Premier club, added Mehew.

"But I know they've had a few changes up there and we've got continuity at Gloucester.

Jack Pitcher and Matt Sysum should return from injury, but Marc Richards is a doubt with a shoulder injury and Tom Webb, who is still recovering from a broken leg, and Tom Hamblin will also miss the game through suspension.

Meanwhile, Southport mentor Liam Watson has warned his side not to underestimate the newly promoted Gloucester.

He told the BBC: "They've been promoted so they are going to come up on a bit of a high.

"Any team after promotion tend to start the season well. So we're certainly going to have to be on guard."

Blue Square North Fixtures: