Vasco coach John Rebello's words perfectly illustrate the conflicting feelings in a camp on the brink of a second First Division title in three years.

Whatever happens elsewhere, three points in Sunday's match with North Village will be enough to secure the championship but Rebello admits: "Some of the guys have got butterflies and are a bit nervous. But it's what we've worked hard for all season.

"However, the main thing is to ensure there's no complacency and to ensure the players don't think it's all over.'' Rebello, who came up through the Vasco ranks from Mini Minor to First Division status but had his playing career cut short by a broken leg, was at the helm for that first title in 1995-6. So how does the prospect of another compare? "Two years ago was the first championship in the club's history. It was a great feeling having come up with the club and then leading them to their first title. This year is just as exciting but everything's sweeter the first time around. There is a little feeling of having been there and done it.'' With the two teams due to meet in the second semi-final of the FA Cup in a week's time, Rebello is hoping North Village make it easier for his side this Sunday by having their minds on other things.

He said: "After their draw with Hotels on Thursday night I think you can probably say their chance in the league has gone. Hopefully they'll be focusing on next week's game and I can see them resting a few players. We don't have that luxury -- we have to get the job done.'' Rebello expects to be able to pick from a full squad, minus frontman Ascento Russell, who is away, and the injured Shawn Simons, who is out for the rest of the season. But he is set to welcome back Keith Jennings, who's been missing for a month and a half.

Dandy Town, however, can up the pressure on Vasco with a win against Devonshire Colts at Somerset tonight. A victory for Town would put them within four points of the leaders overnight and get those butterflies fluttering a little more rapidly in the Vasco bellies.

And the only other side in with a shout, Boulevard, must beat Somerset tomorrow and hope Vasco slip up.

That match, at St David's, is equally important for Trojans, who are one of four sides facing a battle to retain their First Division status.

When they take to the field they will know the fate of one of the others, Devonshire Cougars, who were playing Southampton Rangers last night.

But the critical tie of the weekend for the relegation-threatened comes at Southampton Oval where bottom-placed PHC take on Hotels, two points above them.

Hotels have enjoyed an encouraging week, a stunning 4-2 win over Boulevard in the Friendship Trophy semi-final on Tuesday being followed by a last-gasp 1-1 draw in the league with North Village on Thursday.

But PHC are also making a late escape bid with a draw against Village and a hard-fought but deserved victory over Boulevard in their last league outings.

Indeed the way things are going, the relegation battle could go down to the final 90 minutes on March 29.

BATTLE FOR SURVIVAL Games to play; the bottom four PHC: v Hotels, March 8 v Dandy Town, March 22 v Southampton, March 29 Somerset: v Boulevard, March 8 v Vasco, March 21 v North Village, March 29 Hotels: v PHC, March 8 v Boulevard, March 22 v Dev Colts, March 29 D.Cougars: v S.Rangers, last night v Dev Colts, March 20 v Vasco, March 29