Steve Tilson starts life as Lincoln manager with a clash against Stockport on Saturday. The former Southend chief takes over with the Imps two points off the bottom two and plenty of work is needed for them to climb the table.

New assistant boss Paul Brush has joined Tilson at Sincil Bank and he has warned fans not to expect a quick fix as they bid to boost Lincoln's squad.

"We would like to shape the squad, over a period of time, that reflects a little bit more of how we (Tilson and Brush) are," he told the Lincolnshire Echo.

"Lots of circumstances get involved in that.

"We can get the perfect player but he might be the wrong price or you might get someone who says they do not fancy football at the bottom of League Two.

"At the moment, we are looking at players and trying to find out information about them and in the end, there are so many factors before you can bring anyone in."

That means a quick upturn in fortunes might not be on the cards and that will give Stockport a great chance to pull away from the stack of clubs close to the drop zone.

The Hatters are stronger after signing Burnley forward Wes Fletcher on loan to partner the impressive George Donnelly, who has bagged seven goals so far this season, in attack.

The duo showed promising signs during the 2-1 victory over Barnet last weekend and they will provide the Imps defence with plenty to worry about.

Boss Paul Simpson is starting to get his side settled so the Hatters are decent value at 3.25 to spoil Tilson's party and keep him waiting for success in his new job.

Macclesfield are one point above Stockport in the standings after coming from 2-0 down at half-time to beat Oxford 3-2 at Moss Rose last weekend.

The Silkmen had Vinny Mukendi to thank for inspiring the victory as the Oxford defence were unable to cope with the forward's impressive work rate.

He will need to be at his best again when his side travel to Barnet on Saturday with star striker Emile Sinclair out of action for another three weeks.

Macclesfield have a decent record on the road this season with two wins, two draws and two defeats from their six opening six away games but they need some consistency if they are to get closer to the play-offs.

"It's important we start putting runs together if we want to start climbing the table," said midfielder Paul Bolland this week.

"Its great to see us up to 13th but the division is such that we'll quickly drop a few places if we don't follow it up with a another win."

Barnet aren't in great form at the moment with three defeats in a row, two of those at Underhill, and they are only staying off the bottom of the table on goal difference.

Manager Mark Stimson hasn't been able to mould his summer recruits into a dependable outfit yet and, although he will still be confident of avoiding relegation, this is a worrying time for Bees supporters.

Macclesfield will see this match as a great chance to keep up the momentum and they are worth backing to do so with three points at 2.80.

PICKS:
Stockport to beat Lincoln at 3.25 at Bet365
Macclesfield to beat Barnet at 2.80 at Bet365