By Malcolm Nugent - CUOSC

Blues fans are hoping they will be able to rest easy next week knowing we are mathematically safe from relegation.

If results go for them United can come out of the Easter weekend with their Football League status intact.

First up we have a trip to Walsall on Friday followed by a home clash with promotion-chasing Mansfield at Brunton Park on Monday.

Walsall find themselves in a similar predicament to the Blues, just ten points clear of the drop zone with five games to go. Their players have been warned they are fighting for their livelihoods so it will not be easy.

However, the Mansfield game promises to be an even sterner test as we entertain yet another side chasing automatic promotion and desperate for points.

Blues boss Paul Simpson will be demanding a big response from his team after last weekend’s disappointing defeat by Exeter.

That shouldn’t be a problem. Although we struggled to get a foothold in the game against Exeter it was still worlds away from some of our poor displays in the pre-Simpson days. We, at least, defended bravely and were competitive until falling to a late goal.

After the Swindon debacle on February 19 most fans left Brunton Park convinced we were destined to be relegated. No one thought we would be ten points clear with five games to go.

Simpson has turned things around brilliantly and there is widespread desire among the fans to keep him at the club next season.

While the board have to pull out all the stops to persuade him to stay, the fans can do their bit as well by turning out in force on Easter Monday and getting behind the Blues.

Then once we are safe everyone can fully focus on the future.

CUOSC members have until Saturday night to vote for their player of the season. It is a close contest so far so every vote is going to count.

Eighteen teams will take part in the CUOSC Cup, a six-a-side tournament for football fans at Brunton Park on Sunday May 1.

It was originally planned for 2020 but had to be postponed because of Covid.

If the competition is a success it is hoped it can be expanded next year. Watch out for more information in the coming days.

To learn more about CUOSC go to www.cuosc.org.uk. It costs £10 for an adult to join for a year and £5 for seniors and under-18s.

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