Linnets’ lifeline to beat the drop
BURSCOUGH recorded two massive victories in their fight for survival during the past week to temporarily push out of the relegation zone.
AFC Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over 1874 Northwich on Tuesday night means Dave Sutton’s men are back in the bottom four, but they possess two games in hand over their closest rivals.
Abbey Hey were dispatched 3-2 on Saturday before Linnets pulled off a shock comeback victory at Bootle on Monday night.
Hey were seven points ahead of Linnets - with the Victoria Park outfit dropping into the relegation zone last week - before kick-off, but goals from Chad Whyte, Prince Ekpolo and an Alex Parkes penalty gave Dave Sutton’s side the win.
Burscough have now dragged last weekend’s opponents back into the relegation scrap as they sit just one point ahead of the Victoria Park outfit.
Monday’s win also means Linnets have two games in hand on AFC Liverpool.
Sutton’s side do, however, face the added complication of playing their final three games away from home.
They travel to 1874 Northwich this evening before heading to Winsford United on Saturday.
They close the season at Squires Gate the following Monday.
Burscough defeated Squires in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day, but lost 1-0 to 1874 Northwich on the opening day of the season.
They were also humbled 6-1 at home by Winsford back in October.
After two successive wins, however, confidence is running high both on and off the field.
The board announced plans for a new stadium and academy system earlier in the year, and avoiding successive relegations would give Linnets a platform to build upon next season.
A win tonight would also see Linnets move two places clear of the drop-zone.
Burscough also have the Macron Cup final to think about.
Linnets face Premier Division high-fliers Widnes at Fleetwood Town’s Highbury Stadium on May 15th - eight days after their final league game of the season.