DAVE Busst believes turning Common Road into a fortress could be the key to Evesham United's Southern League Premier Division survival.

The struggling Robins host rock bottom Northwood tomorrow in a crucial relegation six-pointer.

With home advantage, United are expected to see off the challenge of the Middlesex outfit but Busst's side have struggled at headquarters this season.

They have won just once at Common Road in eight attempts, a 2-0 win over Aylesbury United on September 3.

"We've probably got our better results away from home," said manager Busst. "But, to be honest, I try not to look at how we perform home and away. We want to do well in every game.

"Our pitch is not the best for playing good football on. It was our fortress last year and we did not concede many goals. We are trying to get that back.

"It's important we don't lose against Northwood. That's more important than winning, because they are bottom and we don't want teams below us picking up points and gaining ground.

"I don't think they are a bad side. They recently picked up a draw with Rugby and, by all accounts, they played really well.

"We've just got to build on our last couple of matches. We could do with a little bit more luck, but most importantly we've got to get that winning mentality. We need to be picking up points on a regular basis."

Busst added to his squad in the shape of Studley midfielder Andy Blake, while he is also on the search for another centre-half.

Blake recently starred against Evesham during Studley's penalty win in the Worcestershire Senior Cup. He is set to figure on the bench tomorrow.

Lee Knight is suspended, so Richard Robinson will partner Steve Hands in central defence.