FORGET about relegation, Devizes Town are flirting with extinction after more boardroom tremors this week.
The Premier Division strugglers travel to Barnstaple for a crucial relegation tussle tomorrow, but the continuing turmoil behind the scenes continue to cast a shadow over playing affairs at Nursteed Road.
Chairman Chris Belcher is expected to step down before the game as the club's debts upwards of £30,000 continue to mount by the week.
Even the recent FA Vase run failed to catch the public imagination and a gate of 22 for last Saturday's home game with Bridgwater encapsulates Devizes' financial predicament.
The growing debts have fuelled speculation of a drop to the Wiltshire League or even worse, total extinction.
On the field, boss Pete Tripp knows his beleaguered side can ill afford to lose tomorrow. Devizes are one off the bottom of the table, with Barnstaple one place and five points ahead.
Melksham venture to Keynsham in a Premier Division fixture that was originally abandoned because the referee claimed the home crossbar was too low!
Melksham boss Robbie Lardner hopes everything is in order this time.
"We'll be taking our tape measures with us and making sure the goals are the right size," he joked.
Russell Fishlock's hamstring injury is less of a laughing matter he is rated 50/50 for the trip.
In the First Division, Calne venture to the infamous slope of Chard following their disappointing 2-0 defeat at Street in mid-week.
Co-boss Kelvin Highmore has threatened to make changes after that 'complacent' display.
Eddie Drury misses out through injury but Darren Smart returns.
Elsewhere, Corsham host fellow strugglers Bristol Manor Farm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article