ONE win and nine points from the last 11 matches is hardly the sort of form to lead Evesham supporters to believe that their side can avoid relegation, writes Mervyn Collins.

However, the Robins have managed to avoid defeat in seven of those games and must do the same on Saturday at Gloucester to avoid a swift return to Division One West.

The Tigers, now managed by Tim Harris who led guided Merthyr Tydfil to victory at Common Road in December, have amassed just one point in their past 11 outings and currently sit next to bottom a point adrift of Dave Busst's side.

Bottom of the pile Aylesbury and fourth bottom Chesham have the worst recent record of the seven clubs involved in the relegation dogfight, having taken just five points from their past 12 and 11 matches respectively.

Cheshunt, 2-0 winners at Cirencester last weekend, currently occupy the third relegation place having claimed eight points from 11 games, while Cirencester are two points and one place better off than Evesham after taking 11 points from their past 11 matches.

Northwood, who looked doomed two months ago, have rocketed up the table having taken 19 points from ten games and, if they carry on that form, then it could be a case of six from three for the drop.

Busst, who was unavailable this week, is expected to bring in Leon Blake as cover for the suspended Steve Duncan and, according to assistant Paul West, there could other changes.

"I am sure that Dave will be looking to freshen things up," West declared. "We looked jaded last Saturday and it was a lacklustre display but you can't forget the excellent efforts of the players in the previous three away matches."

Duncan starts a four-match ban this weekend, while Lee Knight sits out the first of a five-match suspension. And, the club's sorry disciplinary record has prompted a call for the manager to visit FA headquarters at Soho Square next week.

West sent out a clear warning to the players ahead of a crucial couple of matches. "They've all experienced good times but now is the time to earn their money and produce the qualities we know that they possess in the bad times.

"Every game's a pressure cooker. Some of them can handle that and some can't but it's imperative that we stick together and give it our best shot."