Just two weeks ago the prospect of playing Division One football next season looked assured as Winsford were comfortably in seventh place with plenty of games remaining to secure their future.

But now that future looks questionable as Winsford have finished their season and a currently in sixth place.

That would guarantee them promotion, but unfortunately Darwen, Great Harwood Town and Nelson are all within striking distance and all have games in hand.

Darwen with three games remaining and just one point behind the Blues look certain to rise up the table, pushing Winsford into the final promotion spot.

Darwen were set to play bottom side Castelton Gabriels as the Guardian went to press and their two final fixtures pit them against Eccleshall on Thursday and fourth placed Flixton FC on Saturday.

Great Harwood Town have two games in hand and are a point behind, meaning that just one win in their run-in could consign Winsford to another season in Division Two.

Fortunately Harwood must travel to champions-elect Colne FC on Saturday and then face a tricky tie away at Norton United.

Nelson were also set to play as the Guardian went to press with their opponents being mid table Leek CSOB.

Winsford's season finished in unremarkable style with the Blues taking seven points from a possible 15 in the final five matches.

Had they taken maximum points they would now be sitting pretty in fourth place and would be untouchable.

As it is the Blues now face a lengthy wait to discover where they will be plying their trade next term.

However it's not all doom and gloom as Winsford's fate is not yet sealed - even if they finish outside the top seven.

The restructuring of the non-league pyramid means that some teams that qualify for promotion do not have the necessary facilities to move up a division.

This could yet save Winsford's season as their ground has already achieved the necessary grading for North West Counties Division One football.

Blues play waiting game