Lincoln United are two games away from promotion.
Victories over Heanor Town and Skegness Town this weekend would confirm the league title heads to Ashby Avenue
The Whites are in pole position after a long unbeaten stretch, and have their fate rested solely in their own hands.
They have already retained their Lincolnshire County Trophy, beating promotion rivals Bourne Town, and could now achieve their main target of the campaign.
Manager Scott Hellewell spoke to The Linc, and said: “We never thought it would end before the last game of the season… we’re fully expecting it to go down to Monday.
“If you ask all three teams what position they would rather be in, they would probably say ours. So, it’s just about us trying to get over the time.
“We are the only team whose hands it is actually in, so we just need to do everything we can. But, we are not expecting any easy games.”
Lincoln could have sealed their promotion with victory over Heanor had they hung on to beat second-placed Eastwood CFC last weekend. However, a late comeback secured a sharing of the points and a tightening of the title race.
“When you’re 2-0 up and you fail to win the game, there’s obviously going to be disappointment,” Hellewell said. “Especially when it was such a big game and we are basically 30 seconds from being five points clear at the top.”
With the draw against Eastwood, Lincoln stretched their unbeaten streak to 21 games ahead of the final two outings of the campaign.
Over a potentially memorable Easter weekend, United host Heanor on Saturday, April 19, before heading to Skegness two days later.
“When it’s a quick turnaround it doesn’t give you much time to recover, so you might see some surprise results,” the Lincoln boss said. “But, we’re just focused on Saturday and trying to get back to winning ways against a very good time.”
A new signing for Easter weekend:
Hellewell hinted that rotation may be needed between the two games, with Owen Vincent being one player that has an issue which could keep him out.
But, Lincoln have been boosted by a new arrival.
Brigg Town striker Josh Batty, who has netted a golden boot winning 37 goals this term in step six, signed on a dual registration and is available to play for United this weekend now that Brigg’s season has concluded.
The Whites’ manager gave his thoughts on the recruitment of the 29-year-old, saying: “He’s a good signing and he’s coming in at a good time, so we have got cover.
“He is a proven goalscorer, his record throughout his career has been good and we hope he can add another option for us.”
Elsewhere this weekend, Eastwood face relegation threatened Gresley Rovers and mid-table Belper United, while Bourne host in-form Hucknall Town and head to Harrowby United.
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