SALISBURY City, now up to seventh place in the Blue Square Premier, have a great opportunity to reinforce their play-off credentials on Saturday when they host bottom-of-the-table Droylsden.

Whites were held to a goalless draw at the Butchers Arms ground on the opening day of the season - a result which still irks City boss Nick Holmes, particularly as the Manchester-based outfit played much of the game with only ten men.

"We know we should have got three points that day - especially against ten men," concedes Holmes. "We played with an air of apprehension, maybe it was opening day nerves, but I guess playing it safe that day was only human nature."

Since then, last season's Conference North champions have won just three games and amassed a mere 13 points, leaving them rooted to the foot of the table.

The form book suggests that City, now unbeaten in 11 outings, should win handsomely, however, the Salisbury boss is taking nothing for granted as the Bloods make their first visit to the Ray Mac.

"I can understand people expecting us to win - but Droyslden are still a good footballing side. They've just failed to score goals and that's why they find themselves in the situation they're in.

"It was the same feeling when we went to Northwich the other week. People expect you to win those games. That wasn't a feeling we were anticipating at the start of the season. It does put extra pressure on our players to get a result."

City then face a testing midweek trip to Ebbsfleet United.

Holmes watched the Kent outfit defeat Burton Albion on Tuesday in the FA Trophy in extra time and was highly impressed by the side who are just behind City in the table, but with games in hand.

"They're a tough side, very physical. They were too good for Burton and it's only because they missed chances that they needed extra time."

Whites midfielder Mike Fowler, who missed the win at Kidderminster, is available on Saturday after serving a one-match ban, while Matt Tubbs (hamstring) is close to being back to full fitness.