Grantham Town visit Worcester City in the Northern Premier League

Manager Paul Rawden believes adding a greater physical presence to his Grantham Town side will boost the Gingerbreads in their battle against relegation.

Ferdinand Bartley and Joe Smith both made their Grantham bows in the goalless draw with AFC Rushden and Diamonds at the weekend.

Bartley joins the Gingerbreads from United Counties League Premier Division North side Belper United following a previous stint with Eastwood.

Smith has been signed on dual registration from Newark Town as he was cup-tied for their FA Vase match at the weekend having appeared at an earlier stage for Sleaford Town.

The duo both made an impact as Grantham ground out a point ahead of Saturday's trip to Worcester City.

Rawden said: "We were much bigger and stronger physically and were equipped for the conditions based on the players that came in.

"We had a strong spine and it really made the difference. We had a bit more steel about us.

"It's about physicality and it's something that I've been saying for weeks.

"In non-league football at this level, you've got to be able to battle in certain areas.

"It doesn't mean that you stop playing football but it's the 50-50s, the second balls and the tackles which are the horrible side of the game.

"You've got to physically compete for those and, if you've got a good strong spine, it really does help the squad."

The goalless draw was in stark contrast to earlier in the season when Grantham were beaten 5-1 by Diamonds in the reverse fixture.

The stalemate means Grantham are still at the foot of the table and six points adrift of safety going into Saturday's match at third-placed Worcester.

Rawden added: "It was a good solid point and testament to the players for how they dug in.

"We've just got to keep battling away and we maybe need one or two more players for the squad depth.

"The goals against column has been a lot less in the last few games but we still need to improve the goals for column.

"The lads are training extremely hard though. They've had four double sessions and we will reap the benefits of it.

"We have to remain positive, keep chipping away and hopefully we can turn it around."

Grantham will be without the suspended duo of Anesu Muchegwa and Sam Muggleton on Saturday but the fit-again Brad Munns did appear as a late substitute at the weekend after a spell out injured.