MORECAMBE return to league action on Saturday as they begin the run-in to the end of the season with a long trip to Stevenage.

The Shrimps are currently holding on to fifth place in the Nationwide Conference and, with cup distractions now out of the way, hope to cement a place in the historic end of season play-offs.

They are just one point ahead of Hereford, who have played a game less, and seventh placed Scarborough, still reeling from confusion over whether boss Russell Slade will stay or go.

Morecambe will welcome the return of three key players for a game that could have a big influence on the rest of their season.

Big midfielder Stewart Drummond has completed his suspension, as have deadball expert Adriano Rigoglioso and young midfielder Michael Stringfellow.

They will give a strong look to the centre of the park, and competition up front is also being strengthened as Danny Carlton improves and Robbie Talbot slowly returns to full fitness.

Saturday's tie sees Jim Harvey's side take on a Stevenage outfit who, despite enjoying one of the healthiest budgets in the conference, are currently lying second from bottom.

It will be a first league game in charge for Stevenage's new manager - a face now familiar to millions of TV viewers.

Graham Westley took over at Stevenage just last week after taking Farnborough to the FA Cup fourth round and a lucrative tie at Arsenal.

After frustration at Farnborough's limited support and ground capacity, Westley has been charged with taking Borough into the football league and repeating their conference title success from the 1990s.