Canterbury coach Andy Pratt admits Saturday’s visit of rock-bottom Dings Crusaders is vital as they bid to steer clear of National 2 South relegation trouble.

The city club’s three-match winning streak was ended by an 8-0 defeat at second-bottom Shelford, leaving Pratt’s side two places above the drop-zone with a six-point cushion, though the two sides below them have a game in hand.

Pratt revealed Saturday’s match had been played on ‘frozen slime’ and admitted: “In a game like that the first score is always going to be vital and once we went 8-0 down it became nigh-on impossible.

“It’s far preferable to play without the ball in those conditions and try to defend a lead.

“We had opportunities so we can’t blame anyone but ourselves. You have to take your chances in games like that, not least against a side fighting for their lives.

“Saturday is a big game, Dings will target this game to get points the same way that Shelford did. We have to respect them.”

Pratt was devastated with the news that young flanker George Micans is likely to be out for at least a year after scans revealed an ACL injury.

Pratt said: “He’s been our best player – he’s been outstanding and has really come to the fore.

“He had a shoulder injury two years ago and missed some of last season with an ankle injury, now we probably won’t see him until after next season with the knee. He deserves better.”

Ricky Mackintosh is available after a one-week ban and forward Jimmy Green has returned from his loan spell at Gravesend.