Jomar Wilkinson has conceded the Premier Division title but believes Dandy Town can be a cup team this season as they battle for top-flight survival.

The Town coach accepts the 18 points separating them from leaders PHC will be too much to make up before they travel away to meet Zebras in their final league match on March 19.

Town sit alone at the bottom of the table with just a single point and the only team not to have a win under their belt in the league.

PHC, by comparison, are the only unbeaten team, with 19 points from seven matches.

Town crashed to a 6-4 defeat to Devonshire Colts in their previous match and will be without midfielder Jahmel Swan who was sent off in the second half.

Angelo Simmons, their captain and top scorer last season, also remains a doubt after limping off with a groin injury late in the game, just after scoring his second goal.

“It’s day by day, we’re not sure if he’s going to be available for Sunday,” Wilkinson said. “He had very light training so we won’t know until the eleventh hour if he’s going to be available.

“He’s definitely our leader, our captain, our stalwart, but if he isn’t available I have belief in the rest of the players that we can still go out there and get the job done. We will make no more excuses, my boys are up for it and ready to go.”

It is not believed any team has ever won the league and been relegated the following season. Town may have a say in who is crowned the new champions, but their main focus will be on avoiding the drop.

With games to come against Flanagan’s Onions, third from bottom, and PHC before the break, Town could be bottom over Christmas, something unthinkable six months ago when they wrapped up their eighth title.

“Football is an honest sport and we’re encouraging our players to be as honest as possible,” Wilkinson said. “Collectively we’re going to stay to the wicket and try to get this job done.

“We feel we have the squad to do it, this is definitely not a time to push the panic button, it’s a time to unite and be honest and that’s what we’re trying to do. I feel we’re heading in the right direction. The mood is good, we understand where we’re at and what the expectations are. We also understand we can’t make excuses.

“We’re not playing badly at all, we’re creating enough chances to win games, but the ball isn’t bouncing our way.

“We understand we’re in a relegation battle. I believe in the players and the team that we have and they certainly believe in me.

“We’re going to do what we can to bring some respect back to Dandy Town.”

Town will not look any further than tomorrow’s match against Onions at Goose Gosling Field, a venue that suits their style although Onions could make it a tough night for them.

“When you look at the make-up of the league, every game is a tough game and you can’t discount anybody,” Wilkinson said of Onions.

“Hopefully we can put some points on the board before the first half ends and go from there.”

A comfortable mid-table finish is possible for Town, whose chances of success now rests in the cup competitions, starting with the Friendship Trophy over Christmas. They meet holders Somerset Trojans in the quarter-finals on December 18.

“The league is a far-fetched dream, the reality is we need to finish a respectable position in the league and I’ll be happy with that,” Wilkinson said.

“There are still other trophies to be played for, so it’s not the end of the world.

“Of course we always like to be battling for the league, but maybe this year we can be a cup team.”

Colts, second from bottom, could put some distance between themselves and Town when they take on Somerset tonight at Somerset Cricket Club at 8pm.

On Sunday, leaders PHC take on North Village, third, at PHC Field, while Somerset Eagles are at home to Robin Hood and Boulevard entertain neighbours Devonshire Cougars at Police Field.

Young Men’s Social Club, the First Division leaders, are at home to a St David’s team looking to bounce back from two losses on the trot.

X-Roads, now second, meet Wolves at Garrison Field, while BAA and Southampton Rangers clash at Goose Gosling Field.

In the other matches Paget Lions take on Hamilton Parish, while St George’s are at home to bottom team Ireland Rangers.