All Ray Turner wants for Christmas is a bit of momentum in the Ryman League Division 1 South promotion chase.

Town’s stop-start campaign is slowly beginning to gather pace, with seven points from their last three games on the road leaving them eighth, three points outside the play-off places.

The top-four sides have pulled seven points clear of the chasing-pack, which looks to be eight-strong fighting for the final play-off place.

Town face several of those rivals in December and the Lilywhites boss said: “Getting some momentum through December is key for us.

“The top-four have a bit of momentum at the moment and have a bit of a gap, but considering how the season has gone so far, we are not too badly off.
“We have not shown any form to indicate we can break into those places yet, but we have not lost too much ground.

Saturday’s opponents Crawley Down have slipped below Town after a run of six points from their last eight games, and Turner said: “They were flying at the start of the season – it must have been the Gatwick in their name – but they have lost their way a little. But I think they’ve brought in a couple of new players who might make things click for them again.”

Jamie Maxted is banned and Turner said: “It’s a shame because he’s a key player for us. He’s missed a couple of spells this season and it’s made a difference to us. He’s got a knack for scoring goals and you need that in your side.”

Ashley Brown (knee) will be assessed while Tom Hickman remains out.