CARL Macauley has promised Witton Albion’s supporters he will make clear to his players how important it is to beat tenants Northwich Victoria on Monday.

Both teams need maximum points from their meeting, although for contrasting reasons.

Albion will start the game three points adrift of leaders Shaw Lane in the Northern Premier League’s Division One South while Vics, currently back-markers, are the same distance from a position of safety.

“It’s easy to see why it’s a big game for them, but it is for us too,” said Macauley.

“I’ve played in one of these games, and I understand what it means to supporters.

“We’re motivated to take the title-race to the final game, and we want to be ready to make the most of an opportunity if our rivals slip up.

“Northwich will be fighting just as hard for a win, and I’ll ask my lads to show the desire required to pick up three points that we want.”

There is a combination of results that could see Albion relegate Northwich.

If they win, and Rugby avoid defeat on their trip to Bedworth, then Vics will be unable to escape the bottom two with one game left to play.

“For that reason I expect it to be tight, cagey even,” added Macauley.

“But we’ll be competitive, and look to do our job as we have done all this season.”

Witton followed a midweek defeat at Shaw Lane by brushing aside Stamford on Saturday.

Steven Tames’ double, plus goals for Brad Bauress and Rob Hopley, secured a comfortable 4-1 win.

Macauley said: “Stamford came here wanting to upset us, but we weren’t distracted by that.

“We’ve reflected on Tuesday, and addressed what we felt went wrong.

“I got a good response, and the signs were positive.

“These boys are human, after all, but they’ve demonstrated again they have a strong character and will to win.”