Newmarket Town set to host Haringey Borough in Isthmian League North Division relegation six-pointer

Newmarket Town manager Michael Shinn has conceded that there is no getting away from the importance of Saturday’s home encounter against Haringey Borough (3pm).

The Jockeys head into the crucial clash sitting just two points above their visitors, who occupy the first of the four relegation spots in the Isthmian League North Division.

And Shinn is keen to see his players open up some ‘breathing space’ as the battle for Step 4 survival intensifies with seven matches remaining.

“It’s really big – there’s no getting away from it,” said Shinn. “The players are well aware of how massive the game is for both sides.

“It’s one of those where we’ve got a real chance to give ourselves a bit of breathing space, but if we lose then obviously you’re looking over your shoulder and you’ve got to claw back some points.”

Newmarket go into the game having suffered a 5-0 defeat on the road at table-topping Brentwood Town last weekend.

But the one-sided scoreline only tells half of the story. There was very little to split the sides during the opening 45 minutes and they went into the break level at 0-0, but three goals within eight minutes of the restart put Brentwood in command before they added two more late on.

“We were excellent in that first half,” added Shinn.

“We created some decent chances and defended really well, but then within five or so minutes of the second half it was game over.

“It was an error for their first goal and it was also sloppy from us for their second goal – after that there was too much to do.

“They got well on top of the game and it ended up being a really tough second half.”

The hefty loss at Brentwood marked a Newmarket debut for Correy Davidson, who is set to feature for the first time in a Jockeys shirt at the Tristel Global Stadium this weekend.

The experienced attacker, who includes the likes of Kidderminster Harriers, Bishop’s Stortford, Grays Athletic and AFC Sudbury among his list of former clubs, has joined Newmarket from fellow North Division outfit Cambridge City.

The Irishman made a total of eight appearances for the Lilywhites following his arrival from lower-level Saffron Walden Town in January.

Shinn said: “It was a no-brainer to bring someone in of Correy’s quality.

“I’ve known Correy for a long time from when we were at Sudbury together, which was about 14 or 15 years ago.

“He’s got pace, he offers a big threat on the left hand side of our attack and he showed flashes at the weekend of what he’s all about.

“He scored a goal at 0-0, which was disallowed, and I think he’ll give us plenty during the final few weeks of the season.

“Having a player of his experience available can only help us.”

Saturday’s visitors Haringey go into the game having won none of their last four outings, although they have played out back-to-back score draws in their two most recent fixtures against Wroxham and Witham Town.