Whitehaven are gearing up for the biggest local derby in years as Workington Town visit the Recreation Ground on Sunday.

Haven have a four-point lead at the top of League One following Saturday’s excellent 19-12 win at Hunslet.

Four more wins would guarantee them winning the league and automatic promotion to the Championship and, after Town on Sunday, they have to play the bottom three sides in the competition.

As well as putting a spanner in Haven’s works, Town also have the incentive of battling for a play-off place and currently lie in the final position but only by a point.

Whitehaven pulled over a thousand fans for their last home game with Oldham and are expecting a bumper attendance at the weekend with so much at stake.

Chairman Tommy Todd was in buoyant mood after the win at Hunslet and is looking forward to a cracking derby contest - the toughest of Whitehaven’s remaining fixtures.

“It was an excellent, hard-fought win, although it was quite a rough house in the second half. The team showed again great determination to come from behind and win it,” said Todd. “I think Sunday will be a bit special now with so much at stake and both teams having plenty to play for.”

After the derby clash, Haven go to Keighley; entertain West Wales and finish off at Coventry - the three lowest ranked teams in League One.

Coach Gary Charlton, however, is taking nothing for granted and will continue the policy of preparing for one game at a time.

“It might sound boring but that’s the way it is. We have four games left and we will take them one at a time until it’s all over.”

Haven did not use Jake Moore (hamstring) or Dion Aiye (calf) at Hunslet, preferring instead to give them just that little bit if extra time to be ready for the Town game .

“They could have been included in the squad but we preferred to make absolutely certain that they are going to be ready for the derby game,” said Charlton.

Whitehaven could actually still drop a point over the last four games, and still finish top, but completing the season with a maximum haul is the aim.