A lengthy trip and a tough test await the Steelmen tomorrow afternoon, as they travel to Manchester to face league leaders Hyde in the Blue Square Bet North.

Despite winning two out of their last four matches, Corby enter the contest in questionable form. Just a few weeks ago the Steelmen found themselves battling for a play-off position, but recent results have seen them slip to 9th in the table, losing ground in the race to the Conference National.

Manager Graham Drury has openly voiced his concerns over his side’s current form and has called for his players to start performing consistently. Having won their last match against Peterborough Northern Star 2-1, Drury will be hoping that that consistency begins tomorrow.

Speaking after Tuesday’s Hillier Cup tie, Drury admitted that his side needed the victory against their lower-league opposition. He said: “The win was essential for us after the game against Halifax and especially with us playing the league leaders Hyde on Saturday.”

“Winning is always important because a winning mentality is what you always want to achieve.”

Opponents Hyde are a team not short of that winning mentality, having won eighteen out of a possible twenty-six league matches so far this season. Despite their impressive record, the table-topping Tigers tasted a rare defeat last week, losing 2-0 away to Gainsborough Trinity.

The loss was their first in twelve games and called an end to an imposing run of form that has seen them open up an 11-point lead at the summit of the Blue Square Bet North.

A sparkling Scott Spencer performance inspired Hyde to a victory against the Steelmen in the sides last encounter, the ex-Evertonian grabbing all four goals as the Tigers cantered to a victory at Steel Park in September.

Corby will have to be wary of the hit-man again tomorrow afternoon, as he continued his inspiring form and now has 19 goals to his name, making him the league’s third top scorer.

With Spencer expected to start for the Tigers tomorrow returning Corby Captain Phil Gulliver will have to watch the hit-man closely, lest he nets against the Steelmen again.

Skipper Gulliver has now served his three-match ban and will take up his usual post in the centre of defence tomorrow afternoon. Both Leon Hibbert and Steve Towers were substituted with injuries on Tuesday and are said to be struggling to make the side.

Meanwhile new signing Richard Jones, brother of recent recruit Mark has been named in the squad and is expected to start on the bench.