NORTHWICH must win their battle to avoid relegation without their captain.
Skipper Steve Campbell misses their must-win match against Rochdale at the weekend after starting a new job as a fireman.
He will not feature again this season.
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"It's a massive blow," said chairman Sam Naylor.
"But Steve has made no secret of his dream to join the fire service and we wish him all the best.
"He has been advised not to risk picking up an injury playing rugby during his eight-week induction and the club respects that."
Campbell's understudy Rick Smith takes over as captain on Saturday.
Northwich have won their past two matches, against Stockport and Winnington Park, but still only have a slender one-point advantage over Vale of Lune in the final North Two West relegation position.
The Cumbrians have picked up victories over Blacks' neighbours and New Brighton to give themselves a fighting chance of beating the drop.
"We can't shake them off," said Naylor, who admitted Blacks had targeted the visit of Rochdale as a game from which they can plunder maximum points.
"It means we hope Lymm can do us a favour and beat Vale of Lune. Of course we need to do our job and get a win of our own first."
Campbell and long term absentee Gary Bell aside, head coach Paul Reid has a full strength squad to pick from including Chris James after his return from a trip to Australia.
"The lads know how important this game is to the club," added Naylor.
Northwich lost 5-3 at Rochdale in November in a game wrecked by the weather, but Blacks' chairman remains confident the Moss Farm men have enough quality to turn over their Lancashire opponents.
"The game at their place was one of the many this season we came away from with regret," he said.
"We could and should have won, despite the awful conditions."
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