HADDINGTON RFC head coach Rhodri Thomas is urging his players to focus on the task at hand ahead of Saturday’s must-win relegation decider with Dalziel.

The Reds and their Lanarkshire rivals meet at Neilson Park on Saturday with the two sides occupying the relegation spots in National 3, locked on 17 points.

They are three points behind Perthshire, whose season has finished, meaning that the winner of Saturday’s match will leapfrog the Perth side, who would be relegated alongside the losing outfit.

Only a draw with neither side scoring a bonus point would result in both Haddington and Dalziel being relegated, making Saturday’s match effectively a relegation play-off.

If Haddington do go down, it would see the club drop to its lowest position in its 107-year history.

Last month, captain Liam Clutton said it would be a “huge blow” if they drop out of the national leagues.

And this week, Welshman Thomas told Courier Sport: “It’s obviously a huge game for us.

“It’s disappointing that it’s come down to the last game to stay up; however, it’s a game we must win.”

The former North Berwick boss, in his third season in charge at Neilson Park, is aware the visitors will be at their best at the weekend.

He added: “Dalziel are in the same situation and they will be fully fired up for this game and they have had a couple of good results recently.”

Thomas urged his side to stick to their gameplan – which saw them victorious in the other meeting between the two sides this season, 19-35 last October.

“For us it’s about focusing on our own game and trying not to let the situation get to us,” he added.

The Windygoul Primary School teacher is hoping to see a big support, adding: “We’re looking forward to the challenge and hope we get a good turnout of supporters to cheer us on.”