The Darts, five points clear of second-placed AFC, who have a game in hand, enjoy regular four-figure gates, and a large travelling support is expected at King's Marsh Stadium.

Three days later third-placed Edgware Town are the visitors to King's Marsh for a League Cup quarter-final match (Tuesday, 7.45pm).

"It's a big weekend," said AFC manager Mark Morsley, "but that's why we are playing at this level, to have these games.

"As a manager I look forward to games like these as a chance to test yourself against the best. We are playing the teams who are top and third, and you can't ask for better tests.

"Saturday is a big game," he said. "But the winner won't necessarily be champions and the loser won't miss out on a play-off place.

"We are playing for three points, and there will be a lot of twists and turns before the end of the season."

Morsley will pick an attacking side. "We will be going out there to win the game. I believe if we play to our capability, and they play to theirs, we can beat them."

He expects Matty Clements, who has a calf strain, Paul Smith, who has a back injury, and Kevin Hughes, who suffered a hamstring injury against Ilford last week, to be ruled out.

Brett Girling, injured in the friendly at FC Clacton last week, is back, and Chris Bacon played 90 minutes in the 1-0 win at Ilford, suffering no reaction from the ankle he injured on Boxing Day.

Dartford were held to a 2-2 draw at Brentwood on Tuesday night, which Morsley feels could have a bearing on their approach to the game.

"Before that they would probably have been happy with a draw. Now they need at least a draw, or it's advantage to us."

Morsley is confident about both games. "I have watched Edgware, and they play Italian style, defensive to try to catch you on the break. But I believe the League Cup is a trophy we can win this season."

Morsley has been invited to speak at a meeting of the Sudbury and Haverhill Referees' Association. The invitation came following critical comments made in the Free Press recently following the match against Great Wakering Rovers.

Morsley was reported by the match referee for comments made after the game, which he felt should not have been played on a waterlogged pitch, but has decided against a formal hearing, instead relying on a letter of explanation.

"I have accepted the charge, and explained what happened. But I guess it will mean a fine and a spell sitting in the stand," he said.

Goalkeeper Dean Neil attended an FA hearing yesterday following an incident at Brentwood in October when he was playing for Wivenhoe Town.

The game was abandoned, and Neil served a three-match ban before his move to AFC, but the FA launched an inquiry. At the hearing he picked up a five-match ban, which starts with the home game against Waltham Abbey on February 16.

Nathan Munson plays on Tuesday against Edgware Town as Neil is cup-tied.