VICTORY will be absolutely vital for Alty as they take on bitter rivals Northwich in their Boxing Day derby.

After a disappointing season so far, the Robins know anything else against the Blue Square Premier's bottom side just will not do.

Last year's 3-0 victory against Vics lifted Alty out of the relegation zone and, more importantly, boosted the club's battered morale.

And manager Graham Heathcote understands exactly the importance of the fixture.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to the derby games. I'm delighted that Northwich have survived and it's vital for football in Cheshire that we keep these games alive.

"For a while it looked like Northwich were in real trouble but it's great that they've managed to survive and will be able to pay back their debts.

"They're in a similar position now to the one we were in five years ago and it's still a difficult time for them.

"I'm just pleased that rivalry will still be there. These games are for the fans and playing them twice over the Christmas period it will create a real cup tie atmosphere.

"We need all the fans to turn out and give us their support because they will be two big games and it's crucial we get the right result."

The Robins' preparations for the game suffered a double setback on Saturday when they not only lost 2-1 at Blue Square North side Nuneaton but also lost midfielder Gareth Whalley to injury before the match.

Whalley has started just nine games since arriving at Moss Lane in the summer and his craft has been missed in the Alty midfield.

Also suffering with illness on Saturday was back-up goalkeeper Richard Acton and if the pair are still missing on Boxing Day, it will mean Alty face Northwich with just 13 fit first team players.

Karl Munroe is a doubt as he attempts to recover from an achilles problem, while Val Owen is still out with an ongoing injury to his foot and Colin Potts was released last week.

Alty will have to get through the next three games - against Northwich on Boxing Day and New Year's Day and Stevenage on December 29 - with threadbare resources until Heathcote can bring in planned reinforcements during the January transfer window.