Grantham Town host Ossett United in the Northern Premier League East Division

Manager Louis Bland is hoping his Grantham Town side can start turning positive performances into points ahead of a massive home match on Saturday.

The Gingerbreads host Ossett United in a crucial clash at the foot of the Northern Premier League East Division table.

Bland's charges are seven points adrift of safety with seven matches of their league campaign remaining.

Saturday's visitors Ossett are the closer side to the Gingerbreads in the league table and Bland is keen to build on an encouraging performance in their goalless home draw with Sheffield last weekend.

He said: "We have a points target which we want to hit and we're one step closer to reaching that after Saturday.

"It does mount the pressure for this weekend but there were positive signs on Saturday and we just need to keep working hard to try and get that full performance which we're looking for.

"It was the best we have played defensively for a while. There were positives but now we've got to turn those positives into points."

A crowd of more than 1,000 turned out to support the Gingerbreads as part of the Non-League Day initiative.

It was the biggest attendance at the Meres since their FA Cup first round tie with Leyton Orient 20 years ago and Bland is hoping the fans turn out in force again on Saturday.

He added: "It was a brilliant crowd and we hope they come back for more.

"It probably wasn't the most entertaining game but I think people can see what we're trying to do.

"We need all the support we can get and hopefully they will come back again this weekend."

Under 16s will again get free admission for Saturday's match when accompanied by a paying adult. Grantham then face an Easter Monday trip to Carlton Town.

Harrowby return to United Counties League action on Saturday after being without a game last weekend when they visit Gedling Miners Welfare looking to maintain their play-off push. They then host Holwell Sports on Easter Monday.