ALTHOUGH out of the promotion race themselves, Nantwich Town could still have a big say on affairs at the top of the North West Counties League.

Gutted to be missing out on this season's golden opportunity of extended promotion places due to non-league restructuring, the Dabbers may also end the hopes of one of their chief rivals in a massive derby on Saturday.

And they could also have a say in which club lands the title, meaning plenty of interest in their final three games of the season.

Saturday's all-Cheshire clash at Jackson Avenue probably means much more to Congleton Town on this occasion with three points a premium for the Bears.

Kevin Langley's side looked good for that all-important top five finish at the start of the month.

But games in hand have caught up with them and no win in three before Tuesday night's home game against St Helens makes it a must three points.

Nantwich will have no sympathy though, looking to avenge a 1-0 defeat in their first game of 2004.

Desperately unlucky at Booth Street, Danny Worthington's 8th minute goal proved decisive with Congleton grateful to heroics from recently departed keeper Matt Conkie.

Next up a second successive derby, as Nantwich make the short trip to Newcastle Town on Tuesday night.

Although Newcastle haven't applied for promotion, a strong finish in the table could scupper another club's chances.

So their rivals will be hoping for a favour from the Dabbers as they look to do the double following a comprehensive 3-0 victory, last month.

Nantwich wrap their season up against potential title contenders Clitheroe on Saturday, May 1, having already beaten them on their own turf 1-0, just over three weeks ago.

Player boss Nigel Gleghorn says the players need no motivation as he looks to assemble a championship winning side for next season.

"These are important games to us," he said.

"I want the players to stand up and be counted.

"We can't get promotion now so next season becomes very important to us."