NORTHWICH Victoria's caretaker-boss Andy Preece hopes to let his results do the talking in his efforts to become Steve King's long-term successor.

The former Bury chief has made an instant impact at the Marston's Arena since being drafted in as King's temporary replacement, guiding next-to-bottom Vics to goalless draws against Kettering and Barrow to offer them the faintest chance of repeating last season's miraculous Blue Square Premier relegation escape.

Northwich's new-found confidence will be put to the test when they entertain in-form promotion candidates Stevenage.

But, despite Vics lying 12 points short of safety with just 13 games left, 41-year-old Preece, who now works as a fireman, insists survival is not beyond them as he seeks to persuade chairman Jim Rushe to offer him a permanent job.

He said: "Northwich are in a tough, tough situation, but I'm a guy who's very used to these sorts of circumstances, having been at Bury when they went into administration.

"It's not easy working in adverse conditions, but you learn a lot and I've proved in the past that you can still get results when your back's against a wall."

"Keeping our run going against Stevenage will be tough, but we're up for the challenge."

Meanwhile, Altrincham will be looking to revive their bid for a top-half finish with victory at struggling Grays in the wake of back-to-back defeats against Stevenage and Kettering.

Blue Square North play-off hopefuls Droylsden face a Butcher's Arms date with Alfreton, while fellow promotion contenders Stalybridge travel to relegation-threatened Blyth.

All eyes in the UniBond premier division will be on Ashton United's Hurst Cross derby clash with rock-bottom Leigh.

Curzon Ashton face a key first division north promotion battle at Bamber Bridge, while Mossley face Ossett Albion at Seel Park.

FA Vase semi-finalists Glossop North End will look to step up their North West Counties promotion challenge by beating struggling Formby.

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