SALISBURY City will look to bolster their play-off bid when hapless Southport visit the Ray Mac in a pre- Christmas showdown on Saturday.

Just two league defeats at the Old Sarum fortress bodes well for Salisbury, who take on a side that have won just once away from home – that win arriving at a dejected Hyde.

But the reformed side, now being led from the front by John Coleman, will be aiming to spoil Salisbury’s Christmas party.

“John has a lot of experience at this level,” the 29-year-old City boss told the Journal.

“He knows what he’s doing and the club would have benefited from a two-week break. When a new manager comes in the lads are always keen to impress and that will be the situation come Saturday.

“It’s going to be a difficult game but I’ve got a massive amount of belief in my players.”

Despite four successive defeats in all competitions, Salisbury are celebrating exiting administration after five years of financial troubles.

Consequently, the Whites suffered a double demotion in 2010 but a consortium board of William Harrison-Allan, Chris Brammall and Jeff Hooper saved the club.

“It’s brilliant news and all credit to the chairman and the board of directors for putting a huge amount of money into the football club,”

Harris added.

“They deserve a huge amount of credit for what they’ve done. Getting us back into the Conference Premier after a double demotion is a positive thing for everyone involved.

“A huge thanks to the fans as well for sticking with the club and backing us.”

Influential midfielder Rob Sinclair could make a return on Saturday for the first time in three months, along with winger Elliott Frear.

James Clarke returns from suspension and Ricky Wellard has recovered from illness, while Brian Dutton and Clovis Kamdjo are unlikely to feature.

The club confirmed this week that Jake Thomson has left the club.