Tension builds for Burscough
BURSCOUGH continue to struggle in the Hallmark Security Premier Division after falling 3-0 to promotion-chasing Runcorn Linnets last weekend.
Linnets are top of the division on 91 points - 13 more than closest rivals Widnes - with just five games remaining.
With teams around them now catching up on fixtures - Burscough had played several more than their relegation rivals until recently - the mission statement is clear for Dave Sutton’s men.
With seven games remaining, Linnets hang precariously outside the drop-zone. Three points separate them from third-bottom Maine Road, but their inferior goal difference could prove crucial come the end of the season.
AFC Liverpool are even closer to Burscough, with the Little Reds now just two points behind despite a narrow 1-0 defeat at high-flying Runcorn Town last Saturday.
Worryingly, their goal difference is also much better than Burscough’s, meaning victories will be crucial in their fight to stave off successive relegations.
Despite reaching the semi-final of the Macron Cup, the Victoria Park outfit have won just ten games all season and conceded 91 goals.
They have now lost three consecutive league matches - conceding ten goals - and their next trio of games look to be crucial.
Linnets face a double header against Ashton Athletic - with the second-leg of their cup semi (the first resulted in a 0-0 away draw last weekend) against Irlam sandwiched inbetween - before welcoming Abbey Hey at the end of the month.
With both Ashton and Abbey Hey just two and four places above them in the league table, it is fast becoming make or break time for Sutton’s men.