AFTER being five points clear going into Christmas, North now find themselves three points adrift of Bels and clinging onto their Upton dreams.
And with no more cup involvement, North could be accused of having lost the plot ahead of the biggest game of their season to date, tomorrow’s crunch clash against defending champions and league leaders Bels at the Track.
Micky Le Prevost knows his side cannot afford to lose.
If they do, Bels would be six ahead and would have to lose their final two games against in-form Saints and North on the last day of the season, to be deprived of their third Upton appearance in four seasons.
In those circumstances even the most avid North supporter would have to admit that given the strength of their resources, landing only the Stranger Cup could not be construed as a satisfactory season.
Pressure on the men from Northfield then.
To make matters worse, North’s boss admits he has got major selection issues ahead of the two sides’ 11th competitive clash in 13 months.
Alex Le Prevost (pictured), who has not played in three weeks because of a back injury, is at best 50-50 and was due a rigorous test on it last night.
Already deprived of the injured Gavin Le Page, Le Prevost snr is praying for positive news on his son.
‘It’s a big time [problem] and it will mean a reshuffle if Alex can’t play.
‘Those two in central midfield are important players for us.’
That was borne out by the last game between the two sides, the FA Cup clash last month.
Bels won 3-1 and Scott Bradford ran the North midfield ragged that day.
Without directly referring to that game, Le Prevost observed: ‘Bradford’s a good player – we need to get two people in there who can battle it out.’
Le Prevost was promising to work on a few things in training last night and hinted at a possible different role for Glyn Dyer, normally used as an out-and-out winger.
‘I want to get him more involved,’ said an excited North coach, who must be hoping that his players feel the same buzz as he gets from these big matches.
‘I love these kind of games. This is what you prepare for all season.
‘I think it will be down to who takes their chances on the day.’
Article posted on 27th February, 2009 - 2.30pm
Most Commented: