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“I’m a great believer in fielding the strongest team available,” Northwood said last night. Although it’s a case of wait and see at the moment, Paul Acklam and Tracey Norton could both be in line to play. You don’t leave that sort of quality out of the side.”

Midfielder Neil Lovell may be forced to step down. He has been suffering from flu and an ankle knock. And striker Brian Beresford is given the opportunity to rest a troublesome knee problem that has nagging him for weeks.

Beresford said recently: “I’ve been cheating myself and the rest of the team – not to mention the fans – by playing. But although I’ve been far from fit, I’ve been fitter than a lot of other lads in the squad! The knee really needs a month’s rest though.”

Meanwhile, Northwood paid tribute to his team’s performance last week – and took two hefty swipes at my match report!

“I didn’t agree that we wilted in the last 10 minutes, and I didn’t agree that it was a Richard Denby show,” he said last night.

“Sure, they had a lot of the ball in the last 10 – but we could have had two goals during that period. Even bad teams have spells when they put you under pressure, but I thought we controlled the game right the way through. And while Denby had a good game, it was a good all-round effort that earned our win.”

Northwood was last night hoping to snap up winger Peter Thompson – younger brother of Moat midfielder Tommy – from neighbours Stapenhill.

“We’ve spoken to him and I’m expecting him to sign tonight,” said Northwood. “He’s got a natural left foot and, while he’s not a very big lad, they usually say good things come in small bundles. He wants first team football, and he’ll certainly be given an opportunity if he comes to Gresley. By all reports the lad will do well.”

Two players have departed the Moat Ground: Steve Snaith has rejoined Oldbury with Northwood saying and Martin Haskins has signed for Hinckley Town.