RELEGATION haunted Whitby Town have two huge six-pointers this week, before four games in the league's last eight days, to try and save their Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division status.

Only Frickley Athletic and Saturday's opponents Marine have spent longer consecutive seasons in the division than Town's 18.

The Mariners, who aren't yet safe from relegation themselves, defeated Town 2-1, back in November, on Merseyside, after two goals in 12 minutes, including an opener inside 60 seconds.

The Blues are finally back at the Turnbull Ground after four successive winless away days and if Chris Hardy's men are to retain their place in the Premier, maintaining their home form will be pivotal. Victory over Marine would mean fourth-bottom Stamford would have to beat Salford City and out of form Hyde would need to hold Ilkeston to keep Town in the drop zone.

Saturday's game, which is followed by the Seasiders' Easter Draw, then gives way to Tuesday's mammoth trip to Wales and second-bottom rivals Colwyn Bay. The managerless North Welshmen were thumped 5-0, at Sutton Coldfield, on Tuesday and will surely see Tuesday's clash as a last chance to stay in the running.

Whitby defeated Bay comfortably 2-0, last month, at the Turnbull, with Dave McTiernan and Andy McWilliams on target.

Hopes are high that McTiernan can shrug off a hamstring injury to figure in both games, with fellow midfielder Dale Hopson fighting to return after sitting out Buxton and Ilkeston away, this past week. Sadly, centre-half Lee Bullock is set to miss the rest of the season after a serious knee injury picked up at Buxton, right-back Callum Martin is also unavailable but central defender Kieran Weledji will be back in contention.

Kick-off at the Turnbull Ground on Saturday is 3.00pm with admission still just £5 for senior citizens, £3 for Under 18s and free for Under 16s accompanied by a full-price paying adult (£9).

A supporters' coach leaves the Turnbull on Tuesday at 11am for that evening's 7.45pm start in North Wales. Despite the near 200 mile cross-nation journey, seats remain only £10 each.