UPBEAT boss Will Croker hopes home comforts will play into Bournemouth's hands as they aim to step up their pursuit of the high-fliers in National Three South West.

While seventh-placed Lions might be 17 points down on leaders Dings Crusaders, they will have played five of the top six away from home following tomorrow's trip to Brixham (2.30pm).

And Croker remains convinced precious points can be earned at Chapel Gate, which would help his team claw their way up the table towards the all-important promotion places.

He told the Daily Echo: "One of the things for us to remember is we've played away games against Camborne, Dings, Ivybridge and Newton Abbot.

"We're 17 points back and while I'm not saying that's easily achievable, by the same token we've got a lot of the teams above us coming to us.

"Without wishing to sound cliched, we are going to take each game as it comes because you can see surprise results happen.

"It's a case of keeping the squad as consistent as possible, building team spirit and not making too many changes if you can help it.

"You've got to win your home games and average two or two and a half points on the road, you are going to be up there."

Scott Chislett is set to return from a back injury, while forwards Joe Rees, Andy Spikings and Alan Manning are fit to play, the latter taking his place on the bench following a rib complaint.

A broken finger sustained in training has put Charlie Levey out, while stalwart Sam Hardcastle is sidelined with a knee problem.

Croker added: "We want to kick on from where we are. We had a good December and started to play with the sort of verve and intensity we know we can.

"Brixham is going to be an interesting barometer because all the teams they have beaten are below them.

"It will be a good test for us because we are on the same points total, so we will see where we stand. We put them to the sword at our place so I'm sure they will be looking for retribution."

Lions: Spikings, Richardson, Firetto, Kenneally, Treloar, Hennings, MacDonald, Rees, Hancox, Davies, Roberts, Chislett, Gleadowe, Everett-Bolter, Kingswell. Replacements: Manning, Bennett, Boyd.