WITTON, at the bottom of the table within a table, face a holiday double against the UniBond First Division form team Hyde United.
The Boxing Day clash is at Wincham Park (3pm).
Witton start in 12th position, which is the very minimum they can settle for this season, the top dozen automatically qualifying for next season's UniBond Premier Division under non-league's summer restructuring.
Hyde, meanwhile, are chasing a place in the play-offs which could lead them into the Conference's proposed new feeder, the Northern Alliance.
Albion boss John Davison said: 'These are two tough games. Hyde started the season poorly but have picked up, and, importantly, they are a good footballing side. We are capable of the same thing.
'But football isn't all about playing on nice flat pitches in the sunshine. On the heavier pitches at this time of year, we have been found wanting, this is why we have tried to strengthen the side physically.
'If we show the same spirit as we showed against Colwyn Bay, we should be all right.'
Steve Mallinson, who was seeking a scan this week on his injured shins, is a non-starter. Darrell Dicken has had flu but ought to have recovered.
It seems likely new striker Mike Yates, whom Davison sold to Dundee for £12,000 when manager of Burscough, will make his debut on Boxing Day.
In his five minutes of action at Bay, he managed five shots and he could be a surprise card to deal against Hyde, who have the second best defensive record in the division.
David Eaton, meanwhile, has joined Stafford Rangers.
Witton's postponed League Cup home tie with Droylsden has been rearranged for Tuesday, January 6.
But they still do not know who they will playing in the Cheshire Senior Cup semi-final. Nantwich won the tie but Congleton successfully appealed that they had not registered the ex-Vics manager Steve Davis in time. Now Nantwich have given notice they intend to counter appeal.
