STOURBRIDGE RFC supremo Neil Mitchell is calling for the town to come out in force to cheer his side onto retaining their National League Two status.

Stour require two points from their remaining two fixtures and Mitchell is eager to have their safety confirmed with victory over Cambridge at Stourton Park on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Stour went close to ending the hassle of a relegation dog-fight on Saturday but eventually went down 18-14 at Redruth.

Mitchell said: “The team performance on Saturday was excellent and as good as anything we produced at anytime last season.

“The pride and passion showed by the lads in the last three games has been first class and the spirit within the camp is outstanding.

“We took a gamble on a few players at Redruth and it so nearly paid off.

“We also had a strong travelling support down there who backed us tremendously and all we need now is the same on Saturday when we host Cambridge.

“This is a massive game for this club because National League Two status is paramount.

“We have some outstanding young players here and it would be disastrous to see the nucleus of that broken up due to relegation.

“The crowd can play a massive part against Cambridge and I appeal for the town to turn out in force and cheer us on to safety in this crucial fixture.”

The director of rugby will once again be down to the barebones in the back-line.

Stour are already with out long-term casualties Sam Robinson and Mark Eastwood.

In recent weeks Mitchell’s selection problems have mounted with the loss Danny Pointon (shoulder), Adam Billig (collarbone) and Tom Hughes (groin) for the remainder of the season.

Saturday’s defeat at Redruth was not without injury problems with another three backs finishing the game with injuries.

Ally Bressington picked up a hamstring injury and will definitely miss the Cambridge game while John Higgins (knee) and Martin Freeman (knee) are rated 50/50.

Long-serving Jon Hall has made himself available despite him requiring major knee surgery next month.

Mitchell said: “Our current injury jinx for our backs is unbelievable and it just seems to be going from bad to worse.

“There is a chance Martin (Freeman) and John (Higgins) will be fit for Saturday.

“I will literally be wrapping them up in cotton wool to give them the best possible chance of playing.

“One problem we do face is without Ally we will have no designated kicker available.”