AT the sharp end of the season there's little margin for error and both Burnley and Wimbledon may be sipping at the last chance saloon tonight.

Defeat wouldn't completely dash the play-off hopes of either side.

But it would leave them with a mountain to climb with just half-a-dozen games to go.

However, three points at Selhurst Park would allow the victor to steal a march on their nearest rivals and put them within striking distance of the top six -- particularly if Preston fail to beat improving Huddersfield Town at Deepdale.

"It puts them a step nearer, a big step and we want that as much as Wimbledon do," stressed Burnley's assistant manager Sam Ellis.

This time last year Burnley and Wimbledon were two divisions apart, now they are locked together on the same points total and having beaten Preston on Friday night, the Clarets can be proud of their efforts in prolonging the interest in their first season back in Division One and even contemplating a play-off challenge.

"We're delighted with the way the players came back which I said (they would) on Friday. We expected them to do it," said Ellis.

"We were pleased with it because we think Preston are a good side and it was good to do it the way we did.

"Our season is very much alive. Going into tonight people can tip Wimbledon all they like but we've got every bit as good a chance as they have."

Trevor Francis was the latest to back the Dons' play-off prospects after they beat his faltering Birmingham side 3-1 on Saturday.

The Londoners apparently struggled to come to terms with their relegation from the Premiership last season and, also hit by injuries, struggled early on.

However, Terry Burton has galvanised his resources and after some fairly major comings-and-goings settled on a side that looks to be coming good at the right time with four straight home wins and an unbeaten 15-match run behind them.

The Dons have recently sold John Hartson and Marcus Gayle after cashing in on Carl Cort last summer.

However, Jason Euell has been in prolific form and as well as promising youngster Patrick Agyemang, FC Copenhagen striker David Nielsen and Stockport winger Kevin Cooper have recently been added to the mix.

Burton's side have shed their long-ball image but Ellis is still expecting a searching examination as the Clarets chase what could be a priceless win.

He said: "Football is a physical game and if you can't cope with that part of the game then you're not going to be as good as you should be.

"But if you can play and cope with the physical side of the game then you'll be a good team."

Having seen off Preston, Burnley still have five further play-off hopefuls to face between now and May 6.

It's a daunting schedule but one the Clarets are relishing as they chase an unlikely dream of successive promotions.

"We feel that the players have done particularly well for us and we hope that they can continue it for the last seven games.

"We're looking forward to it and you can't get better games than the run we're in the middle of. They're good tests for us and we like them," Ellis added.