ALDERSHOT will stretch their lead to nine points if they beat mid-table Maidenhead at the Recreation Ground on Saturday.
With Purfleet and Sutton involved in the FA Trophy and St Albans and Hendon without league fixtures, Aldershot have a great chance to reassert their authority at the top of the Ryman Premier League after the disappointing draw with Bishop's Stortford.
"Other teams will have games in hand, but it's psychologically important to get a good lead in this wintry period," said Terry Brown.
The postponement of Tuesday's big game at Hendon was disappointing, but the manager was addressing a few problems in training this week and will keep faith with his senior players.
On-loan youngsters Matt Langston and Ben Walshe have returned to Watford and QPR respectively after making a mixed impact for Aldershot.
"They are good young players who want to be pros, but the results never really picked up while they were here. It didn't work out," said Brown.
"I view our football in two ways. We will try to get up this season with the senior players and go with the youngsters next season."
Expect, then, Brown to turn to the experienced Ian Moody as soon as he is fully fit.
The veteran striker has been out with a muscle strain and remains doubtful for Saturday, along with Jamie Taylor who has been laid low with flu.
Aldershot will also be missing Anthony Charles – suspended for one match – but Jason Cousins come in as a straight swap for the central defender.
Jason Chewins should be recovered from the hamstring injury he sustained against Bishop's Stortford.
Brown admits to having a tricky task when it comes to choosing between his two goalkeepers, Nikki Bull and Gareth Howells.
Bull, who received the Ryman League 'Safe Hands' Award on Saturday, has been outstanding this season, but Howells, too, is highly rated and, fully recovered from a troublesome injury, did well when he came in for the suspended Bull on Saturday.
"We are lucky to have probably the best two 'keepers in the league and I see it as a straight choice," said the manager. "It will be very difficult."