Play-off spot still boss Neil's Brig-est priority

Tonight’s opponents Burscough currently occupy the last play-off spot in the NPL First Division North table.

Twelth-placed Brig are eight points behind the Linnets with two games in hand, and Crowe says tonight’s game is a must-win the clash at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium if they want to mount a late push for promotion.

The Lancashire derby has more spice due to the fact Burscough knocked Brig out of the FA Trophy and beat them in the reverse league fixture at Victoria Park.

And Crowe is keen for revenge. He said: “It is a bit of a six-pointer.

“If we want to keep in touch with the play-off hopefuls then we need to win the game.

“It is a must win game.

“They are quite a decent side. They have beaten us twice this year.

“They knocked us out of the FA Trophy and beat us in the league so we are looking for a bit of revenge.

“They beat Witton Albion on Saturday but they have had a bit of a blip before then.

“We know it will be a tough game. But until it is mathematically impossible the play-offs are still the aim.

“We are aiming for the play-offs.

“Teams are going to slip-up between now and the end of the season so we just have to make sure we are winning our games.”

Defender Glenn Steel was allegedly elbowed during the 0-0 draw against Scarborough on Saturday.

But Crowe says he should be fit for tonight.

He said: “Scarborough came for a point and that is what they got.

“They came to make it hard for us and lined up with two banks of four and two isolated strikers up top.

“Glenn Steel was elbowed and he has a cut on his cheekbone but he will be fine for tonight’s game.

“We have a full squad and we are raring to go.”