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.