Tiverton Town assistant manager Mo Hopkins says it is difficult to estimate just how important the clash with high-flying North Leigh will be on Saturday.
Tivvy head into the fixture in eighth spot following their 1-1 draw away to Evesham United on Saturday.
North Leigh sit in second, just one point behind leaders Cirencester Town and 11 points ahead of the Yellows having played one game more.
But with less than half the season gone – and with a number of other teams impressing in the division this term – Hopkins is unsure how significant Saturday's fixture will prove in the long run.
"It is difficult to say how important the game is," said Hopkins.
"You have got seven or eight teams that are up there at the top – including us – having been fairly consistent.
"But then you also have Cirencester, North Leigh and Paulton who have been that bit more consistent than everyone else.
"If we can stay in touch then someone else will drop points along the way and hopefully we can pick some up and nip in there.
"After our recent loss in the cup – which was no discredit to us because we gave them a run for their money – we are still getting ourselves back on track again slightly.
"We look forward to every game though and we are still getting more comfortable with each other as time goes by."
Tivvy's hopes should be boosted by the return of striker Max Kowal, who is recovering from a foot injury sustained against Bridgwater Town.
But the Yellows were indebted to another attacking player on Saturday to salvage a point, with substitute Dan Malsom curling home an 88th-minute 25-yard equaliser against Evesham.
With manager John Clarkson back in Spain, Hopkins took over the reins, and his side made a bright start.
But they lacked the ruthlessness which punctuated their 3-1 disposal of Bridgwater, and the hosts took full advantage by opening the scoring via a Richard Mansell header from a corner after 30 minutes.
Tivvy bossed the possession but lacked composure, and it looked like it was going to cost them before Malsom's fine individual effort.
And the winger came in for praise from Hopkins for helping the Yellows leave with a well-earned point.
"I think the boys are disappointed because that is three points we could have had in the bag," said Hopkins, who is expected to resume his role as assistant manager at the weekend with Clarkson set to return to the bench.
"No matter which stat you look at, it is scoring more goals than the opposition which matters most.
"We are a bit disappointed to come away with just a point but that might not be too bad in the grand scheme of things. We never looked like getting the three points in all honesty.
"We were by far the better side in terms of general play but we never really actually looked like getting anything more out of the game. We put everything into it but we just lacked a bit of composure at times.
"However, Sam Malsom came on and scored a fine 25-yarder after cutting back inside.
"It was just like he has done in a number of games he has played in, so he really helped us get our point."
