Derby crunch for Bloaters and Greens

Tuesday night's Wellesley derby between Great Yarmouth Town and Gorleston (7.45) may have more at stake than local pride, for both

in-form teams are chasing the third promotion place from the Ridgeons First Division.

Before the weekend games - the Bloaters home to Saffron Walden and the Greens at Ipswich Wanderers - Yarmouth were fifth with 65 points from 33 games and Gorleston sixth with 62 points from the same number of games. Debenham LC occupied third spot with 66 points from 34 games.

Yarmouth had a poor December and January, but since February 14 they have recovered their early-season form and recorded eight wins, one draw and three defeats. Their last eight games have brought six wins and a draw with 20 goals scored and nine conceded, though seven of those came in the one defeat, at a muddy Halstead.

Yarmouth's promotion fate is in their own hands. After looking as though they would have to depend on the results of others, winning their last five games will achieve a return to the Premier Division whatever other clubs do.

The situation comes about partly because on the final day the Bloaters will face rivals Halstead at the Wellesley, however before then there is Tuesday's derby.

Despite Yarmouth's 5-2 win at Emerald Park on Boxing Day, their recent record in these matches does fill a Bloaters' supporter with apprehension - they have failed to win any of the last 13 derby home games. Saffron Walden, home and away, and Stowmarket away have also to be overcome if the dream is to be achieved.

Before Tuesday's big game, Saffron Walden have to be despatched from the Wellesley tomorrow (ko 3pm) - and they gained a home draw with Halstead on Easter Monday when Halstead only equalised after eight minutes of added time.

Gorleston completed a very successful Easter period with a convincing 4-1victory over Cornard at Emerald Park on Easter Monday. This added to the win over Thetford by 3-1 on Saturday.