Hitchin Town take on Spalding United in the Southern League Premier Division Central
Jimmy Dean is urging his Spalding United side to embrace the challenge of their crunch Southern League clash at Hitchin Town on Saturday.
Just two places separates the sides in the Premier Division Central table but victory for the Tulips could lift them out of the relegation zone.
However, bottom of the table Hitchin will be aiming to close the gap on Spalding after picking up four points from their last two league games.
Dean said: "It's a real six-pointer.
"Hitchin are down there with us and it's an opportunity to try and get ourselves out of the relegation zone or be pulled right back into it.
"We know that we'll be playing a resurgent Hitchin side who, like us, are unbeaten in their last two league games.
"Brett Donnelly (Hitchin manager) will have a side which really works hard and they'll have a good crowd behind them so we've got to embrace it."
While Dean was left to bemoan some defensive errors that contributed to his side's downfall, he felt there were a number of plus points.
James Clifton made a strong return from injury while new signing Maniche Sani came off the substitutes' bench.
It was just the second appearance in 13 months due to injury for the former Peterborough Sports striker who had netted twice last Wednesday while under dual registration with Bourne Town.
Dean said: "There were some positives from the game on Saturday.
"I thought Mani did well when he came on and he looked a threat in the box.
"I was pleased with James Clifton, Connor Brown looked sharp and Joe Nyahwema impacted really well."
Lamine Sherif will return from a one-match suspension for Saturday's match while fellow midfielder Kyle Barker could also be back from injury with Callum Chettle and Jonny Ngandu both nearing full fitness.
Summer defensive recruit Josh Ezewele has joined league rivals Bromsgrove Sporting.
The Tulips' Supporters Club are holding a quiz night on Friday, October 25.
The event in the clubhouse at the Sir Halley Stewart ground gets underway at 7.30pm. There is a maximum of six to a team with entry costing £3 per person.
All proceeds will go towards raising funds for ground improvements. To book a table, ring 07985 458952.