Spalding United host AFC Telford in the Southern League Premier Division Central

Spalding United will be aiming to halt a two-match losing run against one of the pre-season title favourites on Saturday.

The Tulips host AFC Telford in the Southern League Premier Division Central clash at the Sir Halley Stewart ground (3pm).

They go into the crucial contest on the back of successive away defeats against Kettering Town and Bromsgrove Sporting which prompted the club to part company with manager Elliot Sandy on Friday morning.

The visiting Bucks have only picked up one more point than Spalding in their opening three games but are much-fancied this season to regain their place in the National League North.

Attention turns to the FA Vase for Bourne Town, Deeping Rangers and Pinchbeck United.

The Wakes entertain fellow United Counties League Premier Division North newcomers Harrowby United in a first qualifying round tie at the JJ Mac Stadium.

Deeping Rangers travel to Division One side Clifton All Whites while Pinchbeck visit Premier Division South outfit Lutterworth Town.

The Knights will be underdogs for their trip to Leicestershire but manager Lewis Thorogood is relishing the higher level challenge.

He said: “Some might say that Saturday is a free hit for us against a side who have started their season well.

“Maybe the pressure might be off a little bit but we can really go and throw it all out there with nothing to lose.

“We can go into it without any fear and a little bit of confidence.

“It is something to look forward to, to see if we can apply our style of football against a team a league higher and see what difference that makes.”

Holbeach United entertain Harwich and Parkeston in Division One North of the Thurlow Nunn League on Saturday.