Shaw Lane AFC are facing a 'massive' week culminating in a top-of-the-table clash at home to promotion rivals Witton Albion on Tuesday.
The Ducks drew 2-2 on Saturday against mid-table Bedworth United who led 2-0 until the final ten minutes but goals from Oscar Radford and Ryan Qualter preserved Shaw Lane's unbeaten home record this season.
That record was threatened again as Belper Town led 1-0 at half-time on Tuesday but Craig Elliott's men came back to win 4-1 thanks to strikes by Alex Byrne and Ben Algar and a double from top-scorer Gavin Allott.
Title rivals Witton drew with third-placed Spalding United last night and are now level on points but behind the Ducks on goal difference. That was due to be the third of five games in 11 days for Witton, who are set to finish that gruelling schedule on Tuesday with a trip to Shaw Lane for a top-of-the-table clash which is likely to be decisive in the battle for the only automatic promotion place.
The Ducks also have a tough game tomorrow, at fourth-placed Newcastle Town, while Witton take on 18th-placed Gresley. Elliott – whose side had lost two of the three previous league games – said: "We have been a lot better this week, and a lot more like our normal selves.
"We only had three shots against us in the two games and let in three goals, but the lads showed great character to come back and get four points which I am happy with. We just need to build on that now in a massive week.
"The pressure is on us after we have had such a good season and now we need to make sure we finish it off. At this stage, it is just about the results and not the performances. My players usually thrive on big games and hopefully they do this time.
"We want that first place. We missed out on the last day last season with 94 points and we only lost four games all season. We have only lost four this season as well and, in most other leagues, we would be promoted by now. But credit to Witton for pushing us all the way. It will probably come down to the game on Tuesday and we just have to hold our nerve. It's a one-off cup final.
"Newcastle is a big game as well. There was a mass brawl the last time we played them and they need the points to stay in the play-offs. It's a huge week."
After the Witton match, Shaw Lane host 15th-placed Chasetown on April 15 before visiting tenth-placed Kidsgrove Athletic 48 hours later for an Easter Monday fixture. Then there is another two-day gap before their Sheffield Senior Cup final against Frickley Athletic at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane. Shaw Lane then conclude their league campaign at home to Stamford, who are currently 17th, on April 22. If they miss out on top spot, the Ducks will go into the play-offs in which they lost in the final last season and missed out on a fifth straight promotion.
