BACUP & Rossendale Borough head to Colne tonight for an East Lancashire derby with more than pride at stake (7.45pm).

As Bacup know victory would almost certainly secure their North West Counties League Premier Division survival.

Brent Peters’ side thought they had effectively sealed safety with a 2-0 home triumph over Glossop North End a week ago tonight.

But a 2-0 defeat at home to Runcorn Town on Saturday, aligned with back-to-back wins for Alsager Town over the Bank Holiday weekend, means they go into this evening’s vital clash with the threat of relegation still hanging over them.

However Bacup would effectively confirm their place in the league’s top flight with victory over ninth-placed Colne.

That is because it would leave the Brian Boys West View Stadium outfit three points above second-from-bottom Squires Gate going into the final game of the season – and, crucially, at least 10 goals better off.

Barnoldswick Town, who have slipped to 16th after a three-match winless run, aim to return to winning ways at home to Ashton Athletic tonight (7.45pm).