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As he prepared to lead his side into battle against Rocester, Northwood said: “The lads are on a downer at moment, but they haven’t done it on purpose and they don’t need fans after their necks. I remember when Rocester came to Gresley earlier in the season, their supporters were tremendous – and that’s what I hope and expect of our people on Saturday.”

Northwood denied that a damaging series of results has inflicted irreparable damage on morale at the Moat Ground.

“What’s happened in the run up to this game won’t influence matters in my view,” he claimed. We’re going through a sticky patch, but I’m sure the boys will be giving their all. It’s going to be like a cup final and they know what needs to be done.

“It’s going to be a tough game, but we’re looking forward to it.”

Northwood is planning “a couple of changes” but was keeping his cards close to his chest.

One at least will probably be designed to counter the threat of flying winger Tony Hemmings.

The former Burton Albion player was Rocester’s star man in their Moat Ground triumph last autumn.

Recently he has been hampered by a knee injury, but signalled his return to better fitness in the game at Lye.

Hemmings said: “I’m still not right and my movement is still restricted, but I’m back in business.

That will be music to the ears of Rocester boss Alan Beaman, who believes that Hemmings in full cry massively influences the morale of his team-mates.

It is the width and pace Hemmings provides in conjunction with Nigel Mottram on the opposite flank that Gresley almost certainly regard as the biggest threat to their hopes of being crowned champions.