Tuesday's North and South preview

Southport will be looking to break into the Blue Square North play-off places with a win over Alfreton Town while Fisher Athletic travel to Cambridge City in the Blue Square South.

BLUE SQUARE SOUTH

Bishop's Stortford v Welling United

Martin Hayes' Bishop's Stortford side will look to advance their play-off hopes when they entertain Welling United at Woodside Park.

The hosts need to bounce back after their 1-0 home loss to fellow promotion rivals Newport on the weekend.

The visitors meanwhile, will be aiming to break a four-match winless streak and secure the much-needed three points to ensure their safety in the Blue Square South.

Andy Ford will expect his Wings' side to show more valour than they did during their 3-1 home loss to Hampton and Richmond.

Braintree Town v Weston-S-Mare

Braintree Town will aim to recover from an embarrassing away rout when they welcome Weston-S-Mare to Cressing Road Stadium.

The hosts suffered their heaviest under manager Lee Patterson on the weekend, with Bromley hitting four past a poor Iron side.

Lee Burns hurt his back in that encounter and is unlikely to return for the home side.

Meanwhile, Tony Ricketts' charges will be without Marc McGregor who suffered an injury in their last clash against St Albans.

James Palmer is also doubtful after picking up a knock against the Blue Square South strugglers.

Cambridge City v Fisher

Gary Roberts' Cambridge City charges face an enormous task when an in-form Fisher side make the trip to the City Ground.

The Lilywhites boss has warned his players they will be playing for their futures at the club and will need to greatly improve their performances.

The hosts have won their last two Blue Square South fixtures, but Roberts expects a tough task against Wayne Burnett's men.

The visitors are currently well-poised in 5th place, but view this clash as an opportunity to close the gap between themselves and promotion rivals Eastleigh and Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Thurrock v Havant and Waterlooville

Thurrock will be keen on returning to winning ways when a high flying Havant and Waterlooville side travel to Ship Lane.

Hakan Hayrettin's men were unlucky not to gain a point against league leaders Lewes in their last fixture and will be hoping a resilient performance against the in-form Hawks will prove fruitful.

The visitors have been in fine fettle following their FA Cup heroics and closed the gap on the playoff places to just five points with a 2-1 victory against title chasers Eastbourne Borough.

The Fleet will need to work hard to stop the Hawks' promotion push as Shaun Gales' men look to increase their folklore status.

BLUE SQUARE NORTH

Barrow v Boston

Boston United will travel to Holker Street to face a Barrow side intent on reviving their push for a play-off place.

The Pilgrims will be hoping to bounce back from their narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of high-flying Harrogate Town.

The last head-to-head clash between the sides ended in a win for Tommy Taylors' side after an 88th minute strike by Kieran Leabon struck.

The hosts will be buoyed by the return of joint top goalscorer Jon Froggatt, who is expected to play some part in the clash.

Tony Crane and Ashley Nicholls will be pushing for a start while Hakeem Araba will miss out through injury and Paul Ellender is sidelined through suspension.

Southport v Alfreton Town

Play-off hopefuls Southport will be keen to keep up with the chasing pack when Alfreton Town make the trip to Haig Avenue tomorrow.

Mark Duffy and Chris Lever are both ruled out while Neil Prince is rated very doubtful for the in-form hosts.

Reds manager Nicky Law is without first-choice goalkeeper Kyle Sutcliffe who has had a minor operation on a leg and will face a lengthy sideline spell.