MARTINSTOWN captain Ed Nichols is focussing on securing a win against Shillingstone in the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League tomorrow (1pm) that would make his side “as good as safe”.

Nichols’ men entertain bottom team Shillingstone at Lower Ashton Farm with a 46-point gap between the two at the foot of the table.

And Nichols feels a victory should cement Martinstown’s status in the top flight with only one team to be relegated.

He told Echosport: “I think if we win we’re as good as safe. We have had a couple of good results in the evening league and have won our last two. A winning habit does help.

“We haven’t been pushing it too hard and I don’t think we’re in bad form.”

Shillingstone’s only win of the campaign so far came thanks to a thrashing of Martinstown, with the hosts plundering 355-5 from 50 overs, Tom House notching 142 and three other batsmen hitting 50s.

But Nichols is confident that with a much-changed line-up this time around, things will be harder for the visitors.

“For us, the biggest thing is the result. They turned up and beat us convincingly so they have got the edge going into it. Quite a lot of the side has changed so it makes a bit of a difference,” he said.

Martinstown are without Chris Read for the clash, with Sam Kershaw returning.