THERE are important and in some cases vital matches this weekend for Merseyside and Wirral junior clubs as the league programme goes into its closing stages.
Widnes are well set to regain their North Two West place, but it is still very tight at the head of South Lancashire/Cheshire One with just two points between the top three.
Making it all the more interesting is the fact that tomorrow Widnes in top spot take on second-placed Wilmslow at Heath Road.
Leigh, who ran higher ranked West Park very close in the Lancashire Cup last weekend, have put together a fine run but they too face a crunch fixture tomorrow at Bowden who are third in the table two points above them.
Wirral appear to have just missed out on having a say in the title and the pressure will be off when they journey to the Isle of Man to take on Vagabonds.
At the other end of the table Anselmians and South-port are in relegation trouble, but the seasiders can do themselves a power of good if they can account for Birchfield.
Anselmians, in a mixed season, hope for a change of fortune away to Warrington.
In the second division Hoylake have enjoyed a terrific season with just one defeat and only a terrible closing run would deny them the title and a step up to their highest ever grade.
They will not however be able to take anything for granted away to Orrell Anvils who have won more games than they have lost this campaign.
Ormskirk have work to do to get away from the drop zone and could do with a win at home to inconsistent Oldershaw. Other fixtures in this division tomorrow include Ruskin Park at Crewe and Nantwich and St Edwards v Ellesmere Port.
Wallasey currently hold a four-point advantage at the head of Division Three although nearest rivals Manchester Wanderers have a match in hand. Lowly Marple should not stand in Wallasey's way tomorrow and if Prenton could get a result at Manchester it would give Wallasey a huge lift.
Runcorn are at home to Douglas, Sefton entertain Halton and Collegiate have Congleton as visitors.
Sale Amateurs seem set to take another step to the Division Four title at the expense of Port Sunlight tomorrow.
Parkonians, in their best season for years, are on course to finish runners-up and will make that position secure provided they see off visiting Linley and Kids-grove. St Mary's v Mossley Hill and Capenhurst v Oswestry are other games.
