WITTON Albion will go a long way to saving their UniBond Premier status if they can take all three points from their vital clash at relegation rivals Whitby Town tonight.
The Wincham Park side, currently fourth from bottom, take on the Seasiders in a rearranged fixture at the Turnbull Ground (7.45pm) and Gary Finley’s men know that a win is crucial if they are to avoid the dreaded drop this season.
Witton, who drew 2-2 at Worksop on Saturday, could still stay up even if they finish in the final relegation spot as 16th-placed Cammell Laird will be expelled from the division at the end of the season.
The Lairds have missed the March 31 deadline to complete work at their Kirklands ground to bring it up to UniBond Premier status.
The Wirral club are expected to appeal against the decision but if they are unsuccesful then only the three bottom clubs at 5pm this Saturday will be relegated.
If Albion are to stay ahead of the bottom three, which includes Whitby, then success tonight is a must.
But manager Gary Finley admitted that taking three points from games has not been their strong point of late.
“That’s where we have lost our way recently,” he said. “We have found it difficult to win games and at this stage of the season it’s important to pick up the points.
“Obviously if Cammell Laird don’t win their appeal then that’s good news for us but this week is massive for us.
“If we can win both games then we will be in a good position to stay up.”
Witton will be without striker Mike Moseley tonight as he is struggling with a groin injury.
This Saturday, Witton host play-off chasing Guiseley (3pm).
Winsford United had the chance to move away from the Vodkat Premier’s bottom two last night when they visited fellow strugglers Abbey Hey last night.
But the Blues could be saved from the threat of relegation by a mistake that led to Manchester club Flixton having four points deducted for fielding an ineligible player.
Winsford finish their season on Saturday, May 2, when they visit Flixton in what could be a winner-takes-all encounter (3pm).
See www.midcheshirechronicle.co.uk for last night’s result .
Northwich Vics caretaker boss Andy Preece is appealing for supporters to turn out in force for the last home game of the season tomorrow night (Thursday) against Ebbsfleet United (7.45pm).
Just 487 witnessed Saturday’s 3-0 win over Lewes and Preece says revenue produced at the turnstiles is vital.
“It’s really important as fans coming through the gate will have an impact on next season’s budget. We’re playing good football at the moment so we need the people of Northwich to get behind us.”
This Sunday, Vics play their final Conference match for at least another season when they visit Oxford United (4pm).
