STEVE Webb aims to help Pershore Town produce a knockout finale to the season before heading off to watch one of the biggest heavyweight boxing bouts in recent history.
The player boss Quentin Townsend describes as ‘Mr Pershore’ had hoped Town, on the ropes before an upturn in fortunes, would have secured their status in Midland League Division One so he could sit out the final game of the season to head down to London for the Anthony Joshua-Wladimir Klitschko showdown.
Despite Webb’s goal in Saturday’s 1-1 home draw against Stafford Town, Pershore now head to Heather St John’s on Saturday needing a point to ensure they avoid the drop.
Town do, however, have a goal difference nine superior to second bottom Pelsall Villa who claimed a shock 3-1 win at Lichfield City on Saturday.
Studley ended their relegation fears with a 2-1 win at Uttoxeter so the final place in the drop zone alongside winless Southam United will be between Pelsall, Stafford and Pershore.
Townsend stressed Pershore’s fate is firmly in their own hands and, with Webb declaring himself available, he has a full squad for the trip to Heather.
“Steve has tickets for the Joshua-Klitschko fight and he was hoping he wouldn’t have to play if we were safe,” said Townsend. “But we still need a point so he has said he will play and miss the undercard at Wembley.
“He is our Mr Reliable and that’s the sort of commitment he shows to this club. He has probably been our best player in the last few weeks, whether that’s in defence or in central midfield.”
Townsend senses there is enough belief in the squad, despite their precarious position, to ensure they get the right outcome at Heather.
“It’s in our hands,” he added. “I think we felt the pressure in the first half last week against Stafford and it was probably the worst we’ve played for a while.
“I had to give them a roasting a half time but the lads come out and were camped in Stafford’s half for the second 45.
“The belief is there. I think it was the nerves that affected the players last week, especially when we heard Studley were winning and Pelsall were 2-0 up.
“Nobody wants a relegation on their CV. I’m desperate for that not to happen and the players feel the same. They love the club and they know how much it means to everybody at Pershore Town. There’s an even bigger incentive because our neighbours Droitwich are coming up.
“We just want to get through Saturday. It’s been a disappointing season, especially around the new year period, and I had to make a lot of changes. But as long as we get through Saturday then we can look forward to building on the final few months of the season.”