Workington Town’s Tyllar Mellor wants to “right wrongs” when they take on fierce rivals Whitehaven this weekend in a mammoth derby clash which could have huge ramifications for both clubs’ seasons.

Haven are four points clear of second-placed Newcastle Thunder at the top of the League One table and a derby win this weekend would be a huge step towards the title and automatic promotion for them.

For Town victory could reinforce their spot in the play-off places, with London Skolars their nearest rivals for the final place sitting just one point behind them in the table.

Those factors add extra spice to what is already sure to be a fiery derby encounter and the key, according to Mellor, will be not only understanding the significance of the fixture but playing the game and not the occasion.

He said: “It’s massive for us to try and keep in the League One play-off race and it’s big for Whitehaven to try and win the league.

“These are the games that get you fired up and if you can’t get up for these you probably won’t ever be up for a game.

“We want to be playing in these big derbies and in the play-offs.

“We’ve got to stick to the structures and principles that the coach has put in place.

“He has brought stability to the team and there’s a real belief that we can do something this season again.”

Town travel to the Recreation Ground on Sunday (3pm ko) looking for revenge for the 33-18 loss they suffered at Derwent Park in the Good Friday derby game.

Mellor played in that game and believes the squad is keen to make up for the lacklustre performance which led to defeat that day.

“Obviously we had quite a poor performance last time we had a derby game so there are a few wrongs we want to try and right in this coming game,” he said.

“We had a few tough games but we’ve started getting a few wins together.

“We showed [against Keighley] that we don’t have to do anything fancy to win games.

“If I’m picked I’ll hopefully play a part; I think I’m doing quite well.

“We’ve had a bit of a down week so training’s been lighter but that will be ramping up in the next sessions.

“We’ve all got something to play for, we know what’s on the line and everyone will be fired up and ready for it.”

n A reunion of Town players, staff and volunteers from the 1992/93 season will be held at the Washington Central Hotel in Workington on September 7. For tickets, call Les Ashe on 07850 413063.