WINSFORD United's hopes of winning promotion to North West Counties Division One received a huge boost this week with the news that Silsden have been docked three points.

The club, who are United's main promotion rivals, were stripped of three points for fielding an ineligible player in their recent match against Leek CSOB.

And even with that they were unable to win the game, losing 5-2.

This means that, with just one game to go for Winsford, they are eight points clear of Silsden who still have three games in hand.

But one of those games, against Cheadle Town, is to be played tonight, Wednesday, and anything other than a Silden win would give Winsford the upper hand.

And perhaps even more telling for Winsford is Silden's fixture list for their final three matches which includes two games against league champions Cammell Laird.

Any thoughts that Lairds would ease up after winning the title were dispelled in midweek when they beat Cheadle Town 9-1 and it now seems they are looking to break records so Silsden can expect no favours.

Of course Winsford still have to win their final game of the season and on Saturday they visit upper mid table Norton who now have nothing to play for.

But all their efforts could be in vain if the club fails to meet the exacting standards of the North West Counties League committee.

Last month The Guardian revealed Winsford had until April 29 to make improvements at Barton Stadium, particularly to the showers and changing facilities.

The club were confident the necessary alterations and improvements would be completed in time with players and fans coming together to help complete the work.

But the big test will come on Friday when league officials descend on Winsford to pass judgement.

If they approve and if results go in Winsford's favour then the downward spiral which has seen the club drop from UniBond Premier to North West Counties Division Two will finally have been halted.