FOR Warrington Rylands and their fellow Northern Premier League play-off chasers, the race for a place in the end-of-season shake-up is coming to the crunch.

And now, it is coming to the time where things can be officially sealed.

Here, we assess the current state of play...

Rylands have all but sealed their play-off place after an excellent recent run under senior players Sam Wilson and Dean Furman, who took interim charge when manager Michael Clegg left for Macclesfield in February.

Since the two players took charge, only Ashton United and Macclesfield have picked up more points than Blues, with their latest win being a 2-0 success at Guiseley on Saturday.

Indeed, their place in the top five could be mathematically secured tonight without them needing to kick a ball.

Here is how the table currently looks

Warrington Guardian:

 

How Warrington Rylands could seal play-off spot tonight

At the very least, Rylands know they will secure their play-off spot if they beat Lancaster City at Gorsey Lane on Saturday.

However, it could even be sealed before then - Blues' play-off place will be confirmed tonight if Worksop Town fail to beat Guiseley.

And the position they have got themselves into means there is a simple way in which they could ensure a top-five finish this weekend - a victory at Nethermoor coupled with Worksop Town failing to beat Workington would finish the job.

That sequence would mean only Macclesfield, Marine and Hyde United would be able to overhaul Rylands' current points total, meaning the lowest they would finish would be fifth.

Macclesfield's play-off place will also be secured tonight if they win at Bamber Bridge and Worksop lose to Guiseley, but a draw or a defeat for Macc would mean Radcliffe are crowned champions.

Here is how the run-ins for Rylands and their current rivals look

Warrington Guardian:

Northern Premier League play-off dates

Play-off semi-finals are one-legged affairs played at the home ground of the highest-ranked team – second will host fifth and third will entertain fourth – and will be played on Tuesday, April 30.

The two winners will then contest the play-off final on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6, with the highest-ranked finalist playing host.

That means Rylands are currently on track to ensure they will have home advantage for at least their semi-final.

All ties will be concluded on the day, with extra time and penalty shoot-outs in play if necessary.