BROOKSBOTTOMS' promotion dream all hinges on one match after a narrow victory enabled them to maintain a one point lead over third placed Euxton.

The equation is quite simple - a maximum nine point haul tomorrow (Saturday) will guarantee promotion to the promised land of the Premier League.

Anything less leaves the distinct possibility of being overhauled by their rivals.

The sticking point, however, is that Brox entertain champions Wythenshawe while Exuton face bottom club Bickershaw.

Not that Brox had a comfortable ride away to the Wigan outfit last weekend.

Knowing that every point was vital, skipper Richard Ernill kept to the plan of bowling first and concentrating on getting all ten wickets.

Brox promptly produced their worst display of the season in the field, shelling five makeable catches.

The home wside never really cut loose until the final overs thanks to a generally tight performance from the Summerseat attack, boosted by the return of Tommy Read.

It was the stocky allrounder's early burst hat got Brox firing but Gittins, beneficiary of two routine chances, held the innings together with a half century.

At the death, some selective hitting took Bickershaw towards 200 before Brown secured the vital last wicket with three balls remaining.

Brox set off in pursuit of the home side's 189 in confident style but they were rocked by the fall of three top men for nine runs.

With the first five men back in the shed for just 73, the visitors were up against it.

Fortunately, Simon Armsbey, batting at seven due to illness, and Josh Pellowe, were together and posted an invaluable stand of 47 before the Aussie fell for his fourth half-century of the season.

In the end, Brox were indebted to Armsbey's resilience and a typically eventful 28 from Ernill to almost complete the job.

It was fitting that Big Si hit the winning runs after a late scare courtesy of a dropped catch behind to send Brox onward to next week's crucial encounter.

BURY entertained Swinton Moorside at the Sports Club on Saturday, won the toss and opted to bat on an easy-paced pitch.

Hopes of a high score were soon quashed when they quickly slumped to 70 for 7, however a fine 50 from Joe Hayhurst and support from Mike Brawn took the score to 153.

Unfortunately that total was not quite enough. Roberts' 76 took Swinton within sight of victory and despite fine work from all the bowlers taking nine wickets, Bury missed out on an opportunity of attacking the last man in.

Shortage of runs is the big problem for the club who are now in the heart of the Premier Division relegation battle.