CROSFIELDS’ automatic promotion hopes are still just about alive, but head coach Ian Boden is focused solely on finishing the season strongly.

Soap sit third in National Conference League Division Two, three points behind Dewsbury Moor Maroons who occupy the final automatic promotion spot.

If Crosfields win against Drighlington at Hood Lane on Saturday and Dewsbury slip up at fourth-place Wigan St Judes, the race for second will be taken to the final day.

However, Boden is more concerned with making sure his side do not underestimate Drighlington, who are fighting to avoid relegation, and rebounding from last Wednesday’s Warrington Cup Final defeat to neighbours Woolston Rovers.

“After the disappointment of losing in the cup final last week, we have to pick ourselves up,” he said.

“We have a tough home game against a good Drighlington outfit.

We’re towards the business end of the season now and with the play offs looming, every game counts.

“If we win our remaining games, we will finish third which means a home fixture in the play-offs.

“It’s tight with three or four teams all playing for that last spot in the play-offs so we need to be on top of our game.”

In Division Three, Woolston Rovers will be hoping to carry the momentum from their Warrington Cup Final win into Saturday’s trip to Dewsbury Celtic, kick off 2.30pm.

Rovers sit fourth and they too need a victory to keep their hopes of bypassing the play-offs alive – they trail second-place Barrow Island by five points with three games left.

“This is a crucial game for us and one that we know is going to be extremely tough, but the boys are in great shape and are looking forward to the challenge,” head coach Mal Holt said.

“Dewsbury are always a difficult side to play against, especially at home, but we are full of confidence and know how important the game is to our chances of promotion.

“We will be preparing hard this week to ensure we are ready to produce another impressive display.”

Amateur rugby league fixtures, Saturday, kick off 2.30pm:

National Conference League:

Division Two: Crosfields v Drighlington

Division Three: Dewsbury Celtic v Woolston Rovers

North West Men’s League:

Division One: Latchford Albion v Hindpool Tigers

Division Three: Burtonwood Bridge v Crosfields A, Woolston Rovers A v Eccleston Lions

Division Four: Culcheth Eagles v Orrell St James A

Division Five: Latchford Albion A v New Spring Lions