Chasetown could get double reprieve

Chasetown could be in line for an additional reprieve if relegation rivals Whitby are docked a point for fielding an ineligible player.

They hover just above the safety line, a point above the Scholars, but still face punishment for fielding Ross Gardner in a game last September.

And both could stay up in the same positions, in any case, if the Evo-Stik League uphold their decision to boot Northwich out of their pyramid.

Nonetheless, Chasetown surprisingly sacked manager Chris Brindley last night before Whitby go to Matlock tonight for their game in hand.

Chasetown assistant boss Andy Cox, who could take charge for Saturday's finale at Burscough, is determined not to leave anything to chance.

Cox has played over 400 games for the club and was on the backroom staff for the famous FA Cup third round run of 2008 and two promotions.

But the Scholars stalwart insists this is the most important 90 minutes in the club's history, as they battle to beat relegation after a two-year stay.

He said: "I played here for 11 years and I have been back for six years and I have memories that no-one will ever be able to take away.

"You can't get away from how hard everyone at this club has worked to get us where we are, so going down would be hard to swallow.

"This is the biggest game we have ever played and we don't want to have to worry about judges sorting it out for us."

The Scholars also have Frickley Athletic and Mickleover Sports snapping at their heels, not to mention Whitby above them.

Only their hosts on Saturday, bottom club Burscough, have been relegated but their form has actually improved since.

Finishing second or even third bottom may not save Chasetown, even if Whitby and Northwich are punished to the fullest extent.

Cox said: "We have got to go their and win, there's no second chances, and that's all we can do. Hopefully, that will be enough.

"It's not going to take much of a team-talk to motivate the players, they will want to do it for themselves and the club.

"Burscough's results since they have been relegated have improved, so they won't just lie down and let us take the three points.

"They will want to take us down with them."