CHESTER Jets take on bogey side Sheffield Sharks tonight knowing a victory would keep their play-off hopes alive - as well as derailing the Yorkshire club's title bid.

Jets have lost four times to second-placed Sheffield this season, so they are approaching tonight's away fixture with some trepidation.

Head coach Mike Burton said: 'We've played a couple of times recently, and pushed them close. They are a good side and it will be tough to get a win as they are doing really well at home.'

The last meeting between the two in February saw a strong fourth period help Sharks to a 78-62 victory.

Before that, the Sharks had beaten Chester 87-69 and 73-63 in BBL Championship games, and edged a BBL Trophy group stage match 93-88.

Sharks coach Peter Scan-tlebury said: 'The last time we played Chester they were up for the first three quarters and we only pulled it off with a fourth period big spurt to win the game.

'If Jaz Cowan doesn't play, it will obviously help us, but we can't afford to let anyone else step up and take his place.

'We need to get the job done.'

Hotshot Cowan is unlikely to feature for Jets due to a persistent knee injury.

Burton said: 'There's no real hope of getting Jaz back.

The physio says he's fit to play, but he doesn't want to.

'If he doesn't want to play, there's no point in trying to make him.'

After last weekend's win over rivals London United, Jets still have a chance of finishing in the eighth and final play-off place - but there are only four matches of the season remaining.

Burton knows Chester's best chance of picking up two points this weekend comes on Sunday, when Milton Keynes Lions come to Northgate Arena.

He said: 'The win against London still gives us a mathematical chance of qualifying.

'This weekend is key and if we can get a win it will put the pressure on United to get one as well.

'Realistically our best chance is against Milton Keynes. We match up quite well against them and we beat them by 24 last time we played each other, but we did have Jaz Cowan then.'

* Tip-off on Sunday is at 5.30pm.