GRAVESEND & Northfleet return to Conference action on Saturday after a fortnight's break with a trip to former Football League club Scarborough.

Newcomer Gary Abbott looks set to make his Conference debut for the club at the McCain Stadium as replacement for the suspended Che Stadhart.

The prolific former Welling striker has trained regularly since his move from Grays a week ago and Ford sees his ability to retain possession as important in bringing team-mates into play.

As the Fleet's once horrendous casualty list shows signs of shortening, defenders Aaron Barnett and Nick Burton look certain to start on Saturday while Justin Skinner and Danny Lye are close to resuming full training.

However, Steve McKimm is out with pneumonia and Rob Owen and Paul Sturgess are sidelined for six weeks. Broken leg victim Francis Duku is expected to resume playing again in January.