GRAVESEND & Northfleet play mid-table Northwich on Saturday in the the first of two successive home games that could determine whether they sink or swim in the scramble to climb clear of the Conference relegation zone.

The following week, they entertain fourth-placed Morecambe. “If we can win both then we’ll be safe,” said manager Andy Ford, who will be without Chris Giles and Kevin Budge on Saturday.

Giles has returned to Conference leaders Yeovil at the end of a three-month loan while Budge has returned to former club Heybridge on loan.

Ford added: “Chris didn’t want to stay and Kevin needs to be playing regularly. Hopefully, he’ll get eight games under his belt.”

Striker Liam Hatch returns to contention on Saturday.