Wingate & Finchley’s fate will be decided in the next three days as they attempt to avoid relegation in their final two games of the season.

The Blues lost 2-0 away at East Thurrock on Saturday and the basement battle has now gone down to the wire, with their Ryman League Premier Division status on the line as they gear up for a nerve-wracking climax to the campaign.

Gary Meakin’s side will have home advantage for both of their games, but they face a daunting task against second-placed Lowestoft tonight (Thursday) before Saturday’s final fixture against Cray Wanderers.

While high-flying Lowestoft are already guaranteed a spot in the play-offs, they still have plenty to fight for – if they can retain second spot they will secure a home tie in the semi-final and, if successful, in the final too.

However, basement boys Hastings also face a tough clash tonight as they travel to fifth-placed East Thurrock – and Meakin is hopeful that his side could secure their survival tonight and avoid any drama this weekend.

The Blues boss said: “I’m positive at the moment, it’s still in our hands. That could all change tonight, but we could also be safe.

“If we beat Lowestoft and Hastings fail to win at East Thurrock then we’ll be safe, which would be nice, not having to get anything on the last day against Cray.

“It’s frustrating constantly having to look at other results, but we just need to look after ourselves – we need a minimum of three points.

“We’re at home for both games, which is important as it’s a good pitch. We’ve been to places where we’ve tried to play and haven’t been able to. If we can play as well as we can do then I’m confident we’ll be okay.”

Wingate are offering residents who live in the N12 postal code area the chance to watch Saturday’s home game against Cray Wanderers for free. A proof of address will be needed on the gate.

The club will also be holding trials for their Under-17, Under-18 and Under-21 youth teams on Monday May 6 at their stadium on Summers Lane in Finchley, with registration starting from 9.15am.

This season over 30 boys from Wingate have been selected in county and league representative sides, and a number of youth team players have featured for the Blues’ reserves and first team in recent seasons.

For full details, visit www.wingatefinchley.com. Any queries can be emailed to the club secretary at secretary@wingatefinchley.com.

Meanwhile, Hendon’s play-off hopes were ended as they suffered a 3-2 home defeat against Enfield Town on Saturday and a 2-1 loss at Metropolitan Police on Tuesday.