Town boss pinpoints Kissock threat

The 21-year-old impressed in both games against Luton last season and scored a superb free kick in Southport’s 2-2 draw with Lincoln City on the opening day of the campaign.

Brabin said: “He’s a good little player. I coached him at Everton and I think that a lot was expected of him there and he didn’t quite reach that. He has had to come down the leagues to start again if you like.

“Last week I watched them, he was quite quiet and then scored a 35 yard free kick into the top corner and then set up the second goal. So he’s a dangerous player.”

The Sandgrounders are a club that Brabin is well aware of having played for and managed them before.

They can count themselves fortuante to be in the Conference this year though having been relegated last season, but won a reprieve after Rushden & Diamonds were expelled.

Brabin said: “They’re from my neck of the woods so I know the club very well, I’ve managed them and played for them.

“They’re a good club and they’ve got a second go of it this year having a reprieve.

“I think they will be a lot stronger for it and I watched them last week with our game being called off. They are very different from last year, a lot more mobile and have got some pace in the side but still have the same work ethic they had last year.

“The manager was gutted he got them relegated and has worked hard behind the scenes to put it right.

“They have had two good results this season, a home draw with Lincoln and a good point at Alfreton, so we’re expecting another tough game.

“We’ve got to be aware of the dangers of the opposition, but first and foremost, we’ve got to concentrate on ourselves. With the squad we’ve got, we’re certainly good enough to go and win games.”

The Town boss faces a difficult choice over who plays in goal on Saturday with Mark Tyler recovering from his back strain to put pressure on Kevin Pilkington, who did nothing wrong in the 1-1 draw with Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday night.

Brabin said: “Mark Tyler has trained the last few days so I’ve got a really tough decision because Kevin Pilkington has had a fantastic pre-season, and I thought he did great again on Tuesday.

“Mark Tyler has been our number one here for the last few years, so it’s a good position to be in.”

Robbie Willmott is also fully fit, while the likes of George Pilkington, Dan Gleeson, Freddie Murray and Shane Blackett continue to recuperate from injuries.

Brabin added: “Robbie was fit last week, but hadn’t trained much so I put him on the bench.

“The others will have another 24 hours before we have to make a decision on them and a few have stepped up their training.”