Belper went down 4-1 at Lincoln at the end of November in a result that belied the teams' respective positions in the Evo-Stik League First Division South table.

"Lincoln comfortably beat us last time we played them," said Nailers boss Peter Duffield.

"They played well and we didn't give a good account of ourselves.

"They were the better side on the day and deserved to win. We could have no complaints.

"They showed more desire than us and we better than us. We've got to make sure that's not the case again this time around."

Lincoln are third from bottom, five points clear of the drop zone.

"They're a big, strong, aggressive side and will get in our faces," said Duffield.

"We know what's coming and it's up to us to more than match that."

Belper have lost only twice in 17 league outings and have won nine of their last 12 games.

They currently lie fifth, in the final play-off spot but with an 11-point lead on sixth-placed Sutton Coldfield, who lost 3-2 at title hopefuls Leek Town on Wednesday night.

"We've taken 25 points from the last 30 available but haven't caught anyone," said Duffield. "It just shows how well everyone above us has been doing.

"But we're now 11 points clear of Sutton Coldfield, with a game in hand.

"The next team is another two points back, with only 18 left to play for. So it's in our own hands, obviously."

Belper won 3-1 at bottom club Bedworth United last weekend – their third victory in a row.

"We deserved to win," said Duffield. "Our attitude and desire was spot on and we had that bit of quality, too."

Belper are hoping for positive news on Aaron Pride's (pictured) knee injury.

"He felt a bit better after treatment, so we'll see how he is," Duffield added.

"He's missed a lot of football recently and deserves a bit of good luck."

Source: Derby Telegraph