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Last day drama for Blues' survival hopes
FOR the second season running, Whitby Town go into the final day of the season against Ilkeston Town on Saturday needing a win to secure their Unibond Premier Division status.
The Blues gave themselves every chance of staying up with a nerve-wracking 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Witton Albion on Wednesday night.
Victory for Whitby tomorrow would guarantee their UniBond League premier division status.
But they will be safe if they can match Witton Albion's result in their tough home clash against play-off chasers Guiseley.
A Witton defeat would keep Whitby up no matter what and a Witton draw would mean Town having to lose by at least two goals, and even then Albion would have to draw 3-3 and hope the Blues fail to score.
Blues' boss Graeme Clark is urging all Whitby fans to cheer his side to survival tomorrow.
"The fans saw us through on Wednesday night and I can only thank them for that," he said.
"It was nice to see, the boys appreciated it and all I ask is the same again tomorrow.
"Support the players, get behind them and make them feel loved."
Traditionally, meetings between Whitby and Ilkeston are won by the home team.
Whitby have the rare luxury of a fully-fit squad to choose from, although centre back Danny Farthing faces a fitness test after a recent hamstring injury.
A year earlier, the Blues beat Ilkeston 4-0 on the final day against struggling opposition – but this time, Ilkeston are chasing near-neighbours Eastwood for the Premier Division title.
The Blues have won all four home league clashes here between the clubs, but have failed to even score on their travels.
But the Robins are chasing a treble over the Blues this season, after a 1-0 win over a depleted Whitby side in January.
They also came back from 2-0 down to edge Whitby out of a League Cup semi-final 5-3 in extra-time.
Kick-off at the Turnbull Ground is 3pm tomorrow with admission 7.50 adults, 4.50 concessions and 2 Under 18s.
Last season's clash attracted nearly 500 spectators and fans are advised to get to the ground early tomorrow. Some supporters are also showing solidarity by wearing blue at the game.
* THE dominoes drives scheduled for Friday night at the Whitby Town club house has been cancelled because of the league cup final at the ground between Lingdale FC and Boosbeck St Aidans.
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Weather for Whitby
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
