Interim boss Lewis Thorogood is predicting a tough test as Spalding United get back to BetVictor NPL South East Division action on Saturday.
Ilkeston Town are the visitors to the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field (3pm), with both teams on the edge of the play-off positions.
Much-fancied Ilkeston are two points above the Tulips in seventh place – and Thorogood knows his side will be up against it.
“It’ll be very tricky,” added the Tulips chief. “We had a few games over Christmas that looked more winnable, while the Loughborough win was a superb result.
“Ilkeston will look to play good football and have a real threat up front in Kieran Wells.
“I know the lads will be fully committed and will be up for the game. We’ll give ourselves every chance to get a result.”
The Tulips are still without strikers Joel Brownhill and Jamie Jackson, while keeper Michael Duggan (dead leg) and defender Ben Greenwood (ankle) are nursing knocks.
