SIR Alex Ferguson famously remarked "it's squeaky-bum time" during Manchester United's title run-in two seasons ago.

That saying can be applied to the Basingstoke senior team ahead of their remaining London one fixtures - but instead of chasing league silverware, Jim Dixon's side are battling to escape relegation.

Before Saturday's game they were holding onto the safe ninth spot by the narrowest of margins, lying ahead of Sutton and Epsom courtesy of a better for and against points record.

Their last two defeats, to Canterbury and London Scottish by 30-21, has halted the good work of 'Stoke's previous run of four wins in five.

But with just five matches left, the season has entered its crucial stage for Dixon's men. It started with a trip to higher-ranked Bishop's Stortford on Saturday.

After that, they play fifth-placed Richmond (March 12) at Down Grange, travel to eighth-placed Old Colfeians (April 2), host Sutton and Epsom (April 9), before completing the league campaign at current joint-leaders Cambridge.

Kiwi Dixon, 27, is in his first season in charge and is determined it will not yield a disastrous consecutive drop for 'Stoke.

The big forward said: "Every single game is now vitally important to us and our season.

"Although we cannot plan too far ahead - only focusing our preparations on each team individually in the weeks we are due to play them - the target is to win the next four matches.

"That's because we do not want to go to Cambridge, who are a very good side and may well be champions, on the last game of the season needing to win to stay up.

"We need to make sure we are safe by then and the boys know what is required if we are to do it. These next four games are winnable for us.

"The good thing is they are ready for the challenge, are playing with confidence and taking a real intensity into preparations as individuals and a unit."

Dixon believes the fact so much is at stake gives 'Stoke an edge. "We have to be competitive and there is no room for complacency," he stated.

"That edge will help us, especially when we meet Richmond, who are already safe and probably won't be as focused as us, but also in the vital games against Sutton and Old Colfs. They're the teams around us and we know if we beat them things will be a lot healthier."

Dixon said pre-match planning is being aided by watching videos of the season's previous encounters.

"It's showing us the opposition's areas of weakness to exploit and punish. It's certainly helped us when we've met teams for the second time."

The number 8 also believes competition for places is helping displays. "It's good to have four or five guys playing well and fighting for jerseys. It means there is an edge to training that's healthy."

But he thinks the team need to hone their scrummage if all team areas are to operate at their best.

"We need to get the fluidity and timing right between the tight five.

"That's the main area we will be working on because it needs to be right if we are to succeed. I am sure it will be."