Harborough Town FC face South Shields at Bowden Park, Market Harborough, Leicestershire on Saturday, Jan 9 at 4:00 PM in a basement battle that neither side can afford to lose. Both clubs are deep in the relegation picture in the National League – North, and defeat here could prove costly come the end of the season.

Harborough Town FC come into this fixture struggling badly (1W 3L in last 5). South Shields, meanwhile, arrive in mixed form (2W 0D 3L) — actually the better-performing side in recent weeks. Harborough Town FC won their last outing, while South Shields suffered defeat — home advantage backed by momentum.

Verdict: Little separates these two on form or history. Home advantage could be the deciding factor — a narrow Harborough Town FC win or a draw looks most likely.