Sports romped to the United Counties League title last season and were tipped by many to do well in the NPL. However things haven’t quite worked out that way and they currently in 19th place in the table.

They have struggled particularly at home having lost seven out of eleven games at the Lincoln Road Stadium.

Town missed out last Saturday after the match at home to Stamford fell foul of a waterlogged pitch, however manager Neil Baker took the opportunity to watch Peterborough first hand as he took in their game at Market Drayton Town.

Sports won that 2-1 and Baker felt it was time well spent telling the Sentinel:

“They played really well, certainly better than their league position would suggest,” said the manager who was particularly impressed with their leading scorer Mark Jones. And although Jones was not on the scoresheet in the 2-1 win, Baker says he’ll certainly be the man to watch.

The striker was first spotted by former Crewe Alex assistant manager Baker when playing for Deeping Rangers.

He was invited for trials at Gresty Road, but when that didn’t work out he remained in non-league football, playing for the likes of Gainsborough Trinity, Spalding United and Boston United in the Conference North before joining Peterborough in the summer of 2016.

There is mixed news on the injury front with goalkeeper Ben Chapman fit to return after his ankle injury but defender Scott Lycett doubtful.

It was feared Chapman could be out for a couple of weeks, prompting Baker to look around for a replacement, but he has now called off his search.

“It’s good news for the club. Ben’s an excellent goalkeeper and we would have missed him.” However, he is still on the lookout for a central defender after Scott Lycett picked up a calf injury at Chasetown.

“I don’t think Scott will be ready for the weekend, and with James Curley having returned to Uttoxeter Town, it has left me a little short of central defenders, so I am trying to get someone in.”

For those not going to the game - the first ever meeting between the sides, there will be full coverage as usual via our Twitter service.