GRAVESEND & Northfleet have an important match away to fellow strugglers Northwich on Saturday when manager Andy Ford will be looking to build on the weekend’s excellent point from the 2-2 draw at Morecambe.

Ford, whose side still await a first clean sheet of the season, stressed: “What I would like to see on Saturday is for us to take the lead and then shut up shop.

“There were a few bits and pieces that weren’t quite right at Morecambe but overall it was a good performance against a side that previously boasted a 100 per cent home record.

“After holding leaders Hereford at home and now Morecambe, we can go to Northwich in a confident frame of mind. What we have to do now is get some form going at home in front of our own fans.”

Skipper Lee Shearer joined the Fleet’s casualty list after sustaining a shoulder injury at Morecambe. Ford said: “It's quite bad and he could be out for a couple of weeks."

The manager may start with weekend substitutes Ben Abbey and Andy Drury in the starting line-up at Northwich. Both impressed after coming on at Morecambe. Centre-back Robin Trott is to undergo surgery for a foot injury.