Kells are in a battle for survival in the National Conference Premier Division after slipping into the relegation zone last weekend.

Rochdale Mayfield’s surprise 22-14 win over in-form Thatto Heath pushed them above Kells on points differential – a 29-point deficit swing.

Kells had been unable to dent the impressive record of leaders Hunslet Club Parkside and the 38-10 home defeat slid them into the bottom three.

That makes tomorrow’s trip to Wigan St Patrick’s of extra importance as they are one of the two teams below them in the table.

They were thumped 44-4 at home by Underbank Rangers last week so Kells will be revved-up, hoping to get ahead early and dent their confidence.

Coach Peter Smith knows the next few weeks are important in the battle to stay in the Premier Division.

“We are certainly not going to panic. There has been plenty of effort in recent games when we could easily have got something out of the games," he said.

“Over the next few weeks, we play clubs around us in the table and these are the ones we will be looking to win and start our climb away from trouble.

“I’m not making excuses but we have had a couple of bad injuries and there’s the usual summer absentees through holidays, weddings and festivals.

“It is what it is, however, and we will just get down to enjoy our rugby and if we continue to produce the same effort and commitment, I am sure we are going to be fine."

The bottom four are in danger of slipping out of contention if they are not careful.

St. Pat’s are two points behind Kells from a game more while the bottom side are a point worse off and have also played a game more than the Cumbrians.

But Myton have a tough test tomorrow at home to last season’s Grand Final winners Thatto Heath Crusaders having won only twice so far this season.

The big question will be can Egremont do themselves and Kells a favour by beating Rochdale Mayfield who are tomorrow’s visitors to Gillfoot.

Egremont strengthened their grip on second place with a fine 22-10 win at Siddal last week, while two of their main challengers, Thatto Heath and Wath Brow, were losing.

The Hornets went down 22-0 at West Hull who, as a consequence, leap-frogged them and Thatto Heath to go third in the table.

Tomorrow, the Brow will be trying to do what nobody else has done this season (apart from Workington Town in the Challenge Cup) and that is beat Hunslet Club Parkside. They make the trip into Yorkshire.

There are two matches tonight in the Iggesund Cumberland ARL – and it’s possible that might be increased.

Supporters are advised to check on whether the Ellenborough v Kells A game, originally scheduled for tomorrow, has been switched to tonight.

Definitely on tonight is the Premier Division clash between Glasson and Seaton, originally plotted in for last weekend.

That’s an interesting one which could go their way.

Also playing tonight in Division One are Egremont A and Lowca, another contest which potentially could be a close affair.

There is one stand-out game still standing for Division One tomorrow in which Aspatria Hornets entertain Cockermouth Titans.

The Titans offer the biggest threat to unbeaten leaders Wath Brow Hornets, but on their day and especially at home, Aspatria can trouble the best of them.