Town have say in relegation

12:04pm Monday 21st April 2008

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AFTER securing draws against two sides challenging for promotion from the Blue Square South, Basingstoke Town travel to struggling Weston-super-Mare tonight, looking to pick up a long overdue win.

The Camrose club have not tasted victory in the league since January 19, a run of 13 win-less matches. However, they are unbeaten in three, having held play-off chasing Bishop's Stortford and champions Lewes to draws in their last two outings.

For Weston, nothing but a win will do if they are to avoid relegation as they currently lie 20th in the table on 36 points, four behind St Albans just above the safety line.

Basingstoke could have a big say in who goes down as they face two sides battling against the drop, Weston and Maidenhead, in their final two games.

Caretaker-manager Steve Richardson accepts that his side should win these matches but is sure that Town will not get an easy ride.

"I think the games coming up are even harder than playing Lewes and Bishop's Stortford because they are against teams who will pull out all of the stops in order to survive," he explained.

"We would love to pick up two wins and, on paper, we should do that. However, as we found out against Dorchester, sometimes these things do not work out.

"I am confident we can get a win though. We have done quite well as a unit recently. We have just got to take our chances because once we get in front, things will be easier."

Town go into tonight's match (kick-off 7.45pm) off the back of an eight-day break, having played away at Welling, their scheduled fixture for Saturday, back in December.

Weston have played three games since Town last took to the pitch, drawing 1-1 at Havant and Waterlooville last Monday, losing 2-1 at home to Maidenhead on Thursday and 1-0 when Bromley visited Woodspring Stadium on Saturday.

"The difference in preparation should be an advantage for us, but their situation may alter that," Richardson added.

"While we will be fresh, their adrenaline levels could be high after playing so many games and fighting for survival."

The sides played out an uninspiring 0-0 draw when they met at the Camrose just before Christmas. James Taylor had a goal chalked out for offside, while Weston rattled the crossbar from a free-kick.

Steve Laidler could make his first start since New Year's Day tonight. The midfielder had an operation on his right knee in February and has come on as substitute in Town's last two outings.

He suffered no reaction after playing the final half-an-hour against Lewes nine days ago and is fit for selection.

Winger Matt Warner has stepped up his training after a scan on his foot revealed no serious damage.

He could be in contention for a place, but is more likely to feature against Maidenhead on Saturday.

Basingstoke were initially due to make the long trip to Somerset on Saturday, but the league moved the fixtures forward to fit in with the play-offs.

"It's certainly not ideal to be going down there on a Monday night, but we just have to get on with it," Richardson said.

"We will make sure we are down there in good time and get our minds right."