But the Easter weekend represents an equally crucial time for both parties.

While the Reds still harbour hopes of a top four finish, and possible promotion, Nelson are scrapping at the foot of the Vodkat First Division.

And with two games in close proximity over the next four days, both managers are in the same mindset.

Blues manager Nick Jackson-Cooney pointed out: "When I first came in, we had 10 games left, including games against the top nine in the table.

"But performance-wise, in the last few games, we have been fantastic.

"Those three have all been against the top two, but we have put the performances in to show there is some hope.

"I am fully confident we can claw our way out, but we just have to take each game on its own merits.

"These two games over the Easter weekend will be crucial, but we would gladly take a scrappy 1-0 win at this moment in time.

"The man thing is we are still creating chances, and I feel we have one of the best goalkeepers in the league behind us.

"It's a bit disconcerting for the lads to play so well and have nothing to show for it, but the results will come if we maintain that level of performance."

As for Colne boss Nigel Coates, he feels their fate is very much in their own hands: "If we can carry on in the good form we have shown, there is no reason at all why we can't break into that top four.

"We could have done without the two postponements last week, after three straight wins.

"But we have only lost one in 10 league games this year, so that form needs to continue."

He added: "I feel we can break into this top four, because is it basically in our own hands.

"We have four of the teams around us to play – Congleton, Winsford, Maine Road and Flixton – so anything is possible.

"Glossop are probably the only team in that group who are in a better position that us in terms of their own fate, but we can only take one game at a time.

"That's all you can do at any stage of the season, let alone in the run-in.

"But we have two tough games this weekend for different reasons, because Trafford have only lost one league game all season.

"And if they are slightly off their game, like they were at Nelson last week, then there is no reason why we can't have a good go."

Tomorrow sees Colne host league leaders Trafford, while Nelson entertain Congleton Town (both kick-off 3 p.m.).

And Easter Monday sees Nelson travel to Silsden (kick-off noon), while Colne travel to local rivals Bacup Borough (kick-off 3 p.m.).