INJURY-RAVAGED Runcorn may go into the biggest game of the season so far with players barely fit enough to make the bench!

Linnets boss Alvin McDonald is calling on his threadbare squad to show their play-off credentials in a derby billed as 'The Grand One' by the club.

"The injury list looks horrendous at the moment and the situation has gone from bad to worse," McDonald said ahead of next Tuesday's clash with Southport..

"It is that bad we might have people on the bench who haven't kicked a ball for two months.

"But it's just a case of plugging away, sticking together and doing our best until players come back. Then we can start moving forward again."

Home advantage may prove crucial in 10th-placed Runcorn's bid to defy the odds and continue moving up the league during their injury crisis.

First up are Nuneaton Borough, two points ahead in a tight top half of the table.

Then it's the visit of fierce rivals Southport, managed by former Runcorn boss Liam Watson.

"I know Liam from his Runcorn days and he's got a strong squad up there who are expected to do well," McDonald said.

"It might be tempting fate but I've got a decent record in derbies and maybe they will feel the pressure whereas we've got nothing to lose.

"We certainly won't be changing the way we play. We'll make it hard for them and hopefully be six points better off by this time next week."

Robbie Moore, Mike Garrity, Lee Parle, Tom Spearit, Anton Lally and Martin Molyneux could be fit to face Southport.

l FANCY watching the Linnets for free next Tuesday night?

The Runcorn & Widnes Worlds are giving away two free tickets for Runcorn FC Halton's league match against Southport (kick-off 7.45pm).

To win the tickets, just tell us who is the former Linnet currently managing Southport. Send your answers to Runcorn FC Halton competition, Runcorn & Widnes World, 162-164 Albert Road, Widnes Cheshire WA8 6LJ, no later than Monday, December 6.