Martin McIntosh's reign as Grantham manager started off with defeat last Saturday after early goals at the start of each half condemned the Gingerbreads to a 2-0 defeat away to Atherton Collieries.

The Gingerbreads did have a goal ruled out, as well as hitting the post just before half time, but didn't do enough in terms of performance to take anything from the game, and remain 20th in the table.

Chris Hardy's Whitby side suffered a shock 2-1 away defeat to bottom of the table Stafford Rangers to leave the North Yorkshire club without a win in three games.

The loss to Stafford meant that Whitby did lose ground in the race for the play-offs and sit seventh in the table, four points behind fifth placed Lancaster City but do have games in hand on the teams in and around them.

Bradley Fewster has 13 goals in 10 appearances for the Seasiders and scored in the previous meeting between the two sides earlier in the season, where Whitby convincingly won 4-0 at the Meres.

Gingerbreads boss McIntosh admitted his side face another difficult challenge in the week but his players are more than capable of putting up a fight.

"We knew the type of challenge we faced when we first came in to the job.

"It's a tough game against a side who are in the top half of the table and are challenging for the play-off places, but we have something to fight for as well.

"Now is the time for all of us to roll our sleeves up, get stuck in and show teams what we can do and start picking up points. We have three away games in a row now and we have to get something from all of them."

The Gingerbreads have signed defender Aiden Walker from Mansfield Town a month's youth loan. There aren't expected to be any fresh injury concerns and a full-strength squad should be available for the trip.

Castlegate Financial Management are Independent Financial Advisers working within the Duncan & Toplis group, specialising in investment advice and retirement planning, operating in Grantham, Lincoln and the wider Midlands. They can be contacted on 01476 591022 or visit their website www.casfin.co.uk