WITH the title race in the North Lancashire & Cumbria League Premier Division all but over, attention switches to the other end of the table in the closing weeks of the season.

Any derby between Haverigg and Millom always carries its own significance, but tomorrow’s match at Poolside is a particularly crucial one for the hosts.

Defeat to their neighbours would almost certainly send Haverigg back down to Division One after a year in the top flight, having been promoted after finishing third last year due to the league’s reorganisation.

Even if they win, Drew Postlethwaite’s men will be keeping a close eye on how second-bottom Lindal Moor and third-bottom Whitehaven fare in their matches away to Keswick and Furness respectively, seeing if the relegation battle goes down to the final week of the season.

Skipper Postlethwaite was the star man for his side when they travelled to Millom back in June with his maiden century for the first team, making 116 not out.

However, it proved to be only a consolation for Haverigg as they ended up going down by 53 runs after being bowled out for 222.

Haverigg have overcome the odds before though and if Postlethwaite is looking for something to inspire his team, then he will no doubt point to their shock nine-wicket win over second-placed Cleator last month.

Five wickets from substitute professional Tom Kaber helped them secure the win that day, along with Postlethwaite making an unbeaten 51 to help see them home after the visitors were all out for 108.

They will undoubtedly be hoping new sub pro Amar Ullah, who is available for the final game as well, can have similar impact tomorrow.

Millom, in contrast, are on course for a comfortable mid-table finish after going up as Division One champions last year.

At the top of the table, Cockermouth need just five points from their game against Wigton to be crowned champions.

However, Furness can still overhaul Cleator for second place, with Scott Pearcey’s cup kings just five points behind.

Elsewhere, Dalton are at home to Carlisle.

The title and relegation matters have already been in settled in Division One, but there is still one more round of fixtures to go.

Barrow’s second team host Hawcoat Park in a town derby, Marsden Cup winners Ulverston are at home to Cockermouth seconds, Kirkby travel to Seascale and Vickerstown host Furness’ second team.

And Barrow close out the Northern Premier League Division One season with a trip to St Anne’s.