FOR the first time since catapulting themselves into title contention, Warrington Rylands’ fate is entirely in their own hands.

Despite sides around them having games in hand, Blues know that wins in the four games that remain of their season will see them automatically promoted from the Northern Premier League West Division.

The race took a big swing in their favour last time out, with Rylands grinding out a win at Ramsbottom while nearest rivals Workington and Marine both dropped points.

Warrington Guardian:

David Webb celebrates scoring Rylands' winner at Ramsbottom on Saturday. Picture by Mark Percy

It means Dave McNabb’s side, who are now mathematically guaranteed a play-off place at worst, go into tomorrow’s clash with Runcorn Linnets – potential opponents in the end-of-season shake-up if they fail to finish top – with more breathing space at the summit.

They lead second-placed Workington, who have played two games fewer, by four points with third-placed Marine a point further back having played one match less than Rylands.

Warrington Guardian:

How the top of the NPL West Division looks going into this weekend's fixtures

Blues also travel to Workington next Saturday in what may well turn out to be a title decider, but McNabb insists all focus is on the hosting of neighbours Linnets.

“One thing you want to be is in control of your own destiny,” he said.

“With all races for titles, promotion, play-offs and the like, they take a lot of twists and turns.

“Last weekend was one but I don’t expect it to be the last one. I think there will be more twists to the plot yet.

“All we can do is keep winning to put ourselves in the best possible position to go as far as we can.

“I think we’re in a much more positive position because it’s in our hands. We’ve got some very, very tough games coming up but so have Workington and Marine.

Warrington Guardian:

The remaining games for the NPL West's top four

“We can’t start thinking about Workington – it’s all about Linnets for us.

“They’re an in-form team in the league and it’s going to be an incredibly tough game.

“I was really impressed with them when we played them last time and when I’ve seen them since – they are incredibly organised.

“That’s the only game that matters to us right now.”

Runcorn arrive at Gorsey Lane on a seven-match unbeaten league run and having already beaten Blues this season – a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture in November.

Warrington Guardian:

Rylands were beaten 2-0 by tomorrow's opponents Runcorn Linnets in the reverse fixture in November. Picture by Mark Percy

However, Rylands have lost just twice in the league since then and appear to be peaking at exactly the right time having won their past seven matches.

With experienced players who have taken part in promotion battles much higher up the pyramid and youngsters who thrived in the high-pressure environment of last year’s run to FA Vase glory, McNabb believes he has the right group to handle the situation.

“I think we’ve got some really experienced players who have been in this kind of situation before,” he said.

“We’ve also got a core group that have been with us for a long time and know what we expect.

“A lot of the team were playing high-pressure games in the Vase for us last year, so they’re well aware that the most important game you play is the next one.

“I don’t think I could ask for a better group to go through the process with. It’s about us trying to utilise what we’ve got.

“Even the young players have got some good experience about them and there’s an element of fearlessness about them having not experienced this kind of thing before.”