GRAVESEND & Northfleet face one of their biggest games of the season when they play hosts to third placed Aldershot in the Ryman League, Premier Division, tonight (Kick-off 7.45).

Andy Ford's side, who haven't played at Stonebridge Road in the league since mid-December, lie second in the table, just two points behind pace-setters Canvey Island with two games in hand on their main rivals.

Aldershot, who are currently without a manager but have received 60 applications for the vacant post, will be strong opposition having won their last four games.

Gravesend assistant boss Phil Handford said: "This is a big game for us. It's important to bounce back from the weekend, but it is exactly the right time to play them, although they are a good side who could go up.

"We need to take each game at a time and try and keep the pressure off the lads. We could lose eight on the bounce and so could Canvey or Aldershot. There's a long way to go so it's pointless looking at the league table now."

The Fleet will be without Nick Burton through suspension and Che Stadhart with a shoulder injury, but Jimmy Jackson is expected to play after recovering from a slight ankle knock picked up in the 1-1 draw at Hendon on Saturday.

Gravesend (from): Turner, Lee, Skinner, Lye, Barnett, Duku, Smith, McKimm, Jackson, Booth, Parker, Owen, Martin, Williams, Wilkins.