Graham Heathcote

Altrincham v Hayes & Yeading

Altrincham boss Graham Heathcote believes a home win is crucial as his side prepare to take on Hayes & Yeading at Church Road on Saturday.

The Robins have won only two of 11 games at home so far this term, a statistic they will be hoping to change.

Heathcote told the Messenger: "The players have shown they can compete with most teams in the league, and all credit to them for that, but it shows what you are up against when you hear Wrexham have paid £30,000 for Andy Mangan from Forest Green Rovers.

"We just need to get some home wins under our belt now, and I hope people will get behind the team and help us push on to as high a position as possible."

The Robins will be without Tom Cadmore (suspension), but will welcome back midfielder Justin Cochrane who returns after serving a three-game ban.

However, goalkeeper Stuart Coburn remains a doubt with a shoulder injury.

Meanwhile, Hayes & Yeading United will aim to capitalise on Altrincham's unconvincing home league form when they travel to Moss Lane on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Garry Haylock's charges are brimming with confidence going into the tie after their recent victory over York City.

He told the Uxbridge Gazette: "If we lose the next five games then the defeat (at York) won't be a blip, we'll be amidst a poor run", said United manager Garry Haylock.

"We made mistakes and got punished. We'd talked about not making them but they were they for all to see.

"Some players were worse than others but it is a collective thing and this club got beaten up on the day. We created chances but didn't take them.

"Stevenage and Oxford are the two best teams in the division and York are the next best, but we certainly gave them a nudge with the result.

"We've proven at various times that we can beat the teams above us", he added. "We've just got to go again and do what we know we're capable of."