Saturday is D-day for both Nantwich and Radcliffe, who meet at the Swansway Stadium for a 3pm kick-off. One team fighting against relegation, the other fighting for a chance to get promoted.
Permutations
Two things must happen for the Dabbers to stay up. We must win against Radcliffe. And Atherton Collieries must lose away to Stalybridge Celtic, who are already relegated. If both those things happen, Nantwich will survive thanks to a better goal difference than Atherton. Any other combination of results and the Dabbers will be down.
There’s plenty on this game for Radcliffe too. In 6th on goal difference, they have a chance of getting the final play-off spot in a tight battle between themselves, the current 5th place side Hyde United, and Matlock Town, all separated by a single point.
A win and Hyde dropping points would be enough for Radcliffe. Hyde are away at current 2nd place Warrington Town. Hyde’s much superior goal difference means they are in the box seat despite this tough game.
Matlock, meanwhile, are away to Marine. They will be hoping for both Nantwich and Warrington Town to do them a favour as them winning combined with Radcliffe and Hyde dropping points would see them finish 5th.
Matlock failing to win and Hyde losing means Radcliffe could get there with a draw. Gainsborough, just above these 3, are almost certain of a play-off spot barring a loss, others winning, and an extraordinary goal difference swing.
Rad All Over
Radcliffe come into this one off the back of winning the Manchester Premier Cup in midweek with a 3-0 win over Wythenshawe Town.
In the league, their form has taken a bit of a hit after a remarkable run in March and the start of April where they went 5 games without conceding, including against champions South Shields.
It was brought to an abrupt end with a 3-0 loss to Warrington Town, and they haven’t won since, drawing with Liversedge and Gainsborough and losing to Warrington Rylands.
Last Time Out
It was big drama in the reverse game in November. The scores were tied at 1-1 until stoppage time when Troy Bourne popped up with a winner in one of the best moments of this difficult season. Highlights below.
Players to Watch
Ewan Bange up front scored his first goal since February in the recent draw with Gainsborough.
Radcliffe’s top scorer remains Luca Navarro on 13 in all competitions, but he also hasn’t scored since February, a run of 10 games. End that drought on Saturday and his team could be in the play-offs.
And credit must go to Nicky Adams who has made a mighty 47 appearances in midfield this term, brilliant consistency and fitness.
Match Information
It’s a significant game, we’d love you to be a part of it. Tickets are available online HERE, or on the gate.
Photos by Jonathan White