Shaun Brooks

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Fight for survival goes on for Magpies

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Magpies must stop the Rooks partying

by Ky Capel

Shaun Brooks intends to "spoil" Lewes' party tomorrow (3pm) at the Dripping Pan but admits it may be "too late to save the season."

The Magpies lie six points adrift of safety in the Blue Square South table with only three games of the season to go while victory for the Rooks will see them clinch promotion and the league title.

Director of football Brooks said: "We've got to win, but even then we don't know if that will be enough because of other results. We need to have a real go at Lewes who need to win to secure the title. We're fighting for our lives so we will try and put a dent in their title hopes.

"It looks like it's too late to save our season though, we've got a good nucleus of players but still need a few additions.

"We will go to Lewes confident because there isn't a lot of pressure on us. It's up to us to try and spoil their party."

Dorchester's relegation to the BGB Southern Premier Division could be confirmed tomorrow should they lose at Lewes and St Albans avoid defeat at home to Eastleigh.

Brooks added: "I watched Lewes beat Fisher on Wednesday night and you could see why they are up there in the table.

"We have to match them physically because I doubt it will be a game for getting the ball down and passing it around."

Lewes striker, and Magpie legend, Matt Groves faces his former side and could inadvertently help send them down.

"The script is written for Lewes to win and Matt to score the winning goal that relegates us - it's funny how things work out in football - so we have to try and stop Matt from scoring.

"I think he needed a fresh challenge in his career and he has got himself a decent return of goals this season."

Already without Nick Eastham, who returned to parent club Salisbury City earlier this week, fellow forward Eric Manangu is currently struggling with a knee problem while defender Patrece Liburd hopes to overcome a groin strain that saw him limp off during Saturday's 1-0 win over Hayes & Yeading.

Brooks said: "I'm hoping Patrece will be okay for tomorrow.

"Eric picked up a knee injury in training so we will have a look at him before the game, Tareq Khalil also has a slight knee problem."

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