STUART Heath is hopeful that the Magpies can get back to winning ways after their weekend defeat at Biggleswade, as they hit the road once again with a trip to Kettering Town tonight (7.45pm).

A win over the Poppies at Latimer Park this evening would see the county town club leapfrog tonight’s opposition in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier standings – the teams currently sit side-by-side in ninth and 10th respectively.

First-team coach Heath admitted the secondhalf showing against the Waders “was a poor performance” last time out, but is backing the spirit within the Magpies’ squad to aid them in their bid to respond.

He told Echosport: “There have been plenty of times in the season where we have shown good character, which is a starting point.

“We feel that is there in abundance and we have got to show that from what was a disappointing result and second-half performance on Saturday.

“It was a poor performance, we take it on the chin and hope to bounce back and that’s all you can do.”

Speaking about Kettering, who overcame St Neots by a solitary goal away from home on Saturday, the Avenue coach added: “It’s a tough place to go but we have proved numerous times this season that against good teams we raise our game to a good level.

“That’s what we are certainly going to have to do tonight.”

Heath is hoping that experienced duo Nathan Walker and Ben Watson will be available for selection, with the pair struggling with hamstring and foot injuries respectively.

He added: “We didn’t want to risk them on Saturday. They both had fitness tests before the game and clearly were just not right.

“We will assess Nathan and Ben and see if we can play a part.”

Oakley Hanger is expected to be unavailable this evening.

Tonight's game is now postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

  • Dorchester Town Reserves were scheduled to take on their Wimborne Town counterparts in the Wyvern Premier League at the Avenue this evening but that fixture has also been postponed.