UPBEAT Scarborough boss Russell Slade has set his side a target of nine wins in the second half of the season to beat the drop from the Nationwide Conference.

Slade has taken four points from his first two games in charge and is out to maintain that momentum with a maximum return against Northwich Victoria at the McCain Stadium tomorrow.

He said: "Out of 21 games we're looking for eight or nine wins. If you get to 44/45 points you'll be unlucky to go down."

Jason Blunt misses the visit of Jimmy Quinn's men, who are nine points better off than bottom club Scarborough in 14th place, after being sent off at Forest Green a fortnight ago.

Andy Woods returns from suspension but may find it hard to displace Mark Smith in goal, while striker Darryn Stamp will have a late fitness test after treatment on his back.

Defender Romain Faure returns to the squad following a trial spell with Oldham Athletic, who will be keeping tabs on the Frenchman over the next few weeks, while there may also be a place for utility player Paul Shepherd.

The former Oldham player has been on trial with the club this week and Slade was due to make a decision on whether or not to offer him a contract today.

Northwich are likely to include the former Scarborough pair of Darren Knowles and Denny Ingram, who Slade watched for 45 minutes last Saturday before the floodlights failed at Stevenage.

Scarborough from: Smith, Woods, Faure, Rennison, Jones, Dryden, Stoker, Patterson, Baker, Elliott, Windross, Pounder, Shields, Sherwood, Jordan, Stamp.

Updated: 11:43 Friday, December 14, 2001