Dover could move into the play-off places with a win against bottom-of-the-table Southport at Crabble on Good Friday.
Victory for boss Chris Kinnear’s men could also end the Sandgrounders eight-year stay in non-league’s top flight.
Defeat, or victory for any two out of Braintree Town, Woking and York City, will see Port relegated into the National League North.
Regardless of Southport’s lowly placing on the ladder, boss Kinnear is not taking anything for granted and is expecting a tough test.
He said: “They might go down on Friday, so could well play without fear.
“You can be sure that they will not make it easy for us. so we must be prepared for that.”
Only goal difference is currently keeping sixth-placed Dover below fifth-placed Aldershot.
SOUTHPORT’S RECENT FORM
Southport drew 2-2 at Sutton last Saturday after Roarie Deacon struck in the last minute to earn the hosts a point and keep Port hanging to their National League status by a thread.
Kieron Cadogan gave Sutton the lead, but Dan Spence’s own goal and a Neil Ashton free-kick gave the Seasiders hope of a great escape until Deacon’s last-gasp leveller.
Port arrive at Crabble having lost 11 of their last 14 league matches.
LAST MEETING
03/09/16 Southport 0-1 Dover
Ricky Modeste’s early goal secured victory on a bitterly cold and wet afternoon on Merseyside.
The pacy winger (pictured above celebrating his winner) headed Orient loanee Sammy Moore’s precise cross over a stranded Ryan Crump after only three minutes.
The defeat also saw then Southport player-manager Andy Bishop lose his job.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
01/03/16 Dover 1-2 Southport
16/01/16 Dover 2-1 Southport 1 (FA Trophy)
05/09/15 Southport 0-0 Dover
21/09/15 Dover 2-2 Southport
HITMEN
Whites’ top-scorer in the league this season is Ricky Miller with 35 after his late winner at Braintree Town last Saturday.
Moses Emmanuel and Ross Lafayette both have 11.
Southport’s leading marksman is Jamie Allen with 10.
DOVER TEAM NEWS
Assistant manager Jake Leberl confirmed on Wednesday that James Hurst (leg) is the only injury doubt and may face a late fitness test ahead of the match.
Dover midfielder Jim Stevenson is currently on loan at Southport but is ineligible to play against his parent club.
COVERAGE
The game starts at 3pm but if you are unable to make it, we will have live updates on Twitter – @DAFCLiveText – follow us and get all the news as it happens!
Coverage starts from 2pm.
MATCH SPONSOR
Friday’s match is being sponsored by CITI BUSINESS SYSTEMS.
Visit www.citibusinesssystems.com to see what they do.
We thank them for their support.
MATCH BALL AND COYW MATCHDAY PROGRAMME SPONSOR
Friday’s match ball and COYW magazine are both being sponsored by The White Cliffs Hotel & The Cliffe Pub & Kitchen.
Enjoy your stay at www.thewhitecliffs.com
We thank them for their support.
FRIDAY’S OTHER NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES
Boreham Wood v Dagenham & Redbridge
Braintree Town v Guiseley
Bromley v Barrow
Forest Green Rovers v Chester
Lincoln City v Torquay United
North Ferriby United v Eastleigh
Solihull Moors v York City
Sutton United v Gateshead
Tranmere Rovers v Aldershot Town
Woking v Macclesfield
Wrexham v Maidstone United.
AWAY TRAVEL
There will be a Supporters Club coach making the trip to Aldershot on Monday and it’s not too late to reserve your seat on it.
It leaves Crabble at 11.15am and the cost is as follows:
Adults Members £20, Adult Non Members £35 and accompanied child (under 16) £10.
Please call or text Andy on 0793 4300335 to book your seat or see him in the Centre Spot on Friday.
Please note you are now required to pay for your seat in advance by cash or by cheque or via bank transfer.
Visit http://www.dasc.co.uk/ for all the details.