Atkin, who picked up a calf injury at Grays Athletic, was part of the Boro side that lost to Altrincham at the Britannia Stadium in the 2005 National play-off final.

Altrincham won 2-1 that day but this time Atkin is confident Boro can triumph against a side likely to be scrapping for points at the lower end of the table.

The injured striker said, "This game will come too soon for me. I'm disappointed because I don't like to miss any games but I'm confident the lads can get a good result. It's a big game for us because Altrincham will be one of the teams around us, so it's important we pick up points.

"Playing against them at the Britannia Stadium was a fantastic experience, they beat us that day and it would be nice to get one over them on Saturday."

Atkin, who has two goals to his name this season, had to be carried to the changing rooms at Grays following a hefty challenge. He has resigned himself to missing tomorrow's game but hopes to be fit to face Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday.

He added, "The calf has eased with treatment and I am hoping I will just miss the one game. I'm not really sure how it happened, I remember getting to the ball first and I felt a massive impact on the calf and it just seized up."

Despite the injury Atkin is enjoying life in the Blue Square Premier and mixing it with experienced defenders like ex-Ipswich Town player Fabian Wilnis who played for Grays on Monday.

The Boro man said, "So far this season has been absolutely brilliant. It is a tough league and I'm up against better defenders. They are more experienced and they know all the little tricks like when to give you a little push or a kick and get away with it. But if we keep working hard there is no reason why we cannot stay up."

Boss Garry Wilson admitted, "It is not looking good for big Andy at the moment. It was a nasty challenge, the guy came right through the back of him. Matt Crabb was booked twice (at Grays) so it was surprising a card was not given for the challenge on Andy."

Boro's two wins this season have both been on the road – at Stevenage and Grays. Now the Boro boss is determined to pick up points at Priory Lane tomorrow.

He added, "Home form is crucial if we are to be successful in this division and we are looking at the next two games and aiming to get some points on the board.

"But we can't take anything for granted. You have to work for everything and if you are off the pace you get punished.

"Look at Cambridge, they beat us by three and then lost at home to Kettering. Every side has the ability to beat you and we cannot afford to look at the Atrincham game and think it will be easier."

Neil Jenkins (thigh strain) is doubtful. Jean-Michel Sigere is set to start up front with Allan Tait.

Boro welcome Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday night.