THEY may be hot on the heels of Midlands Division Three West (South) leaders Sutton Coldfield, but Droitwich RFC head coach Dan Protherough has admitted his side are bracing themselves for a promotion push via the play-offs.

Droitwich kept up the pace at the top with a 23-13 win at Earlsdon on Saturday and they are still within two points of Sutton.

But with only one automatic promotion spot, a second-placed finish for Droitwich would set up a play-off decider against another of the Midlands Division Three runners-up.

And Protherough believes it will be difficult for his charges to topple Sutton.

Sutton could effectively help the Spa side wrap-up second spot if they beat third-placed Leamington.

Protherough said: "The reality is after this game they have got to play three of the bottom four teams.

"They have to slip up big-time, and lose twice in the last five games. It is theirs to lose now.

"It is catch-22 because if they win on Saturday it could also help us.

"It (a play-off place) would be a fair reflection of where we are at.

"We would obviously be confident and well prepared."

Droitwich face Silhillians for the third time this season on Saturday, having beaten them by close margins on the two previous occasions.

They edged them out 23-21 in the EDF Senior Vase fourth round, and 25-22 in league action.

Protherough added: "I think it will be a really tough game.

"We have played them twice already, and won by close margins.

"To be honest they should have won both games."