GROVE face their promotion D-Day on Saturday – even though there are three months of the season remaining.

That is the view of head coach Craig Burrows as his side seek a top-two finish in Southern Counties North to guarantee a play-off spot.

Just six points separate the top four in the table, with fourth-placed Windsor having a game in hand on Grove, who they visit in two days’ time.

“We are going to have to raise our game next week against Windsor,” said Burrows.

“If we lose that one, it doesn’t look like we are going to be in the mix for promotion.

“Windsor is the only game where we have not given a good account of ourselves this season. The other two defeats have been very close.

“We have got a point to prove next Saturday.

“We need to win if we are going to get promoted.”

Reflecting further on Saturday’s 30-19 victory at Wallingford, Burrows said the experience of players like James Eckert, Matt Young and Owen Gustafson had proved crucial in keeping the side calm.

He added: “We made hard work of it, but we knew it was going to be difficult because of the number of close matches they’ve been having.

“I don’t understand why Wallingford are in the position they are.”

While Grove could win the title, Wallingford, who were relegated last season, are simply looking for a morale boost after winning just twice in the league.

With Broadmoor Staff having withdrawn before the season and basement boys Marlborough on -4 points, Wallingford are very unlikely to go down.

Coach Stuart Mount said: “There is a lack of confidence because we are not winning, but a performance like that against Grove should give them confidence.

“It is frustrating, but the wins will come.

“There is a good atmosphere in the squad and they are fighting for each other. All we need is a win. That will transform us, to be honest.”