Merthyr Town face a major test of character when they travel to play Southern League Premier Division leaders Chippenham Town at Hardenhuish Park in Wiltshire on Saturday.
The Bluebirds of Chippenham have only lost once in 19 home fixtures this season and are hot favourites to be crowned champions.
Twin strikers David Pratt and former Newport County striker Andy Sandell have fired almost 60 goals between them this season.
Chippenham lead the table by four points with just over five weeks of the season remaining and are on course to claim the lone automatic promotion place available.
Their latest win was against Hayes and Yeading United away when late goals from Will Richards and Pratt snatched victory after they had trailed for most of the game.
The 33-year-old Sandell, Southern League Premier top scorer on 28 goals, missed that match with a groin strain and is rated doubtful for the clash with Merthyr.
“The boys are really buzzing right now,” said Sandell. “There is pressure on us, but the real pressure is on the clubs just behind us. They are the ones who have to try and catch us.
“We’re enjoying it and hopefully we’re going to get over the finish line.”
If Sandell is ruled out against the Martyrs then Pratt will partner teenager Jake Andrews, who is on loan from Bristol City until the end of this season.
“Pratty and I have been doing well in front of goal and, with seven games to go, you want all of your strikers to be fit and firing but it’s just one of those things,” said Sandell.
“We’ve got some great players and you can tell that Jake will be a player when he’s older.
“He has all the attributes needed. He just needs one to go in and then he’ll score a lot of goals.”
Chippenham have re-signed former Swindon Town midfield player Chris Allen.
The 28-year-old from Devizes first joined the Bluebirds from Bath City in 2015-16, but moved on to Weymouth in December last year.
Now he is back at Hardenhuish Park for Chippenham’s run-in.
Merthyr drew 2-2 in their match against Weymouth despite having Keyon Reffell sent off following an off-the-ball incident. The Martyrs led twice before having to settle for a point at Penydarren Park.
They were without suspended pair Scott Barrow and Gavin Williams, who was sent to the stands at Biggleswade.
Ryan Prosser was still out with a back injury and Jaye Bowen was named in the squad for the first time since returning from Cinderford as one of just four substitutes.
Merthyr Town’s remaining fixtures this season
March
Saturday 18 v Chippenham Town (away, 3pm)
Saturday 25 v Cambridge City (home, 3pm)
April
Saturday 1 v Kings Stanley (away, 3pm)
Saturday 8 v St Neots Town (away, 3pm)
Saturday 15 v St Ives Town (3pm)
Monday 17 v Redditch United (away, 3pm)
Saturday 22 v Hayes and Yeading (home, 3pm)
Entry prices to Merthyr Town matches at Penydarren Park: Adults £10; Senior Citizens (65 and over) plus Cardiff City/Swansea City season ticket holders £8; Students (16-18 years of age) £7; Under 16 £1; Under 6 free.
