PAUL Moore believes Northwich Victoria may need to win half of their remaining matches to avoid being relegated to the North West Counties League.

He told the Guardian his players have been set a target of collecting maximum points from nine fixtures between now and the end of the season.

They attempt to record the first this weekend at improving Kidsgrove, who ended AFC Rushden & Diamonds’ 19-game unbeaten run last Saturday.

“We’ve a target in mind,” said the Vics boss.

“It’s dangerous to focus on individual games because if you don’t get from them what you think you should, then there’s a risk you’ll panic.

“As it happens, we’ve got to play all of the sides close to us in the table.

“We’re looking to make it to 40 points, and it doesn’t matter to me how we get there.”

They will have to do so without versatile defender Kieran Nolan, who left last Friday to sign for Runcorn Linnets.

Full-back Lanre Olopade has departed too, but Moore has moved quickly to boost a squad low on numbers.

Jack Turnbull, George Mannion and John Bennett all made their debut from the first minute of a 1-0 defeat at Ashton United in the Integro League Cup in midweek.

Two other new recruits, Michael Barrisford and Adam Lawrence, came on as substitutes.

“It’s taken me a few weeks to bring in players who are experienced at this level,” added Moore.

“We now have lads who know what to do in pressure situations, and that’s something we’ve been short of.

“Tuesday’s game was important, and even though we lost it was important to see everybody is together.”

He remains without attacker Godwin Abadaki (shoulder), while Stuart McDonald (hamstring) sat out the game at Hurst Cross with a hamstring injury.

Dave Short returns on Saturday, while Drew Matthews hopes to have recovered from illness in time to feature.