THE next month will make or break Whitton United’s chances of promotion from Division One of the Thurlow Nunn League.

That’s the view of manager Paul Bugg, who feels his side have under-achieved so far this season.

Whitton currently occupy sixth spot, but if they win their two games in hand on the three sides above them the Ipswich-based side will leapfrog into third place.

Whitton lost 4-2 at Swaffham Town last Saturday, when the absence of unavailable No.1 Liam Jones cost them dear.

“We had to play our Under-18 keeper Josh Evans, who is only 16, and he was overawed as we went 2-0 down after ten minutes, although we got it back to 3-2 at half time,” said Bugg.

Despite the absence of several players the manager will be looking to his side to get at least a point, if not all three, away to strugglers Team Bury tomorrow.

Bugg, who is hoping to bring in two or three signings in the near future, said: “Our next four league games will make-or-break our promotion chances this season.

“After Saturday we then face Ipswich Wanderers on Boxing Day and I think the winners of that game will finish at least fourth.

“Our next two games are then at home to Newmarket Town and away to Brightlingsea Regent.

“We also face Ipswich Valley Rangers in our defence of the Suffolk Senior Cup, so it is a big month coming up for us.”

Bugg, who now has ex-Leiston and Felixstowe & Walton United manager Glenn Driver assisting him as well as Andrew Broughton, will again be without Jones tomorrow.

Also absent, due to work commitments, will be Ash Knott, the injured Ethan Clarke and Wesley Doyle through illness.

Tom Bradlaugh, who Bugg said together with Clarke had been his best player this season, is suffering with flu and rated as 50-50 and Mical Moore’s availability is also in the balance due to work.

On the plus side Ross Rands, who has been out for eight weeks with a broken foot, may return to the squad tomorrow. If not, he should be in the squad for Boxing Day.