BOSS Glenn Burnett is hoping returning striker Alex Baldacchino will inspire New Milton Town to a final-day relegation escape.

The prolific frontman will feature for Linnets as they bid to beat the Wessex Premier drop tomorrow.

Milton’s top-flight status will be on the line when they visit fellow strugglers Hayling United (3pm).

Victory would guarantee Linnets’ safety, while a point would also be enough if Hamworthy United were to win at lowly Brading.

Milton were pointless when Burnett arrived at Fawcett’s Field in September and with the help of Baldacchino’s 27 league goals, the manager led a revival.

They have slipped back into the danger zone following a run of just one win in eight but Burnett believes Baldacchino, who is also registered with Poole and Havant & Waterlooville, can have a big impact after opting to play for Linnets instead of Dolphins this weekend.

Burnett told the Daily Echo: “We have got Alex in which is a massive positive.

“People will be aware of him and, sometimes, that can create things for others. Hopefully, we have got other players who can score goals from other areas.”

In contrast to Milton, Hayling have registered four consecutive victories – the past three coming at their Hayling College home.

But Burnett said: “We know we can beat everyone in the league when we are at it and we have got to hope that team turns up tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, Division One champions Verwood close their league campaign at Petersfield Town, with Ringwood visiting Hythe & Dibden.

Linnets: (from) Rowe, Davies, Donaldson, Holland, Lofters-Desport, Curtis, Case, Moth, Barge, Proctor, Graham, Preston, Morris, Baldacchino, Stuart, Amey.

Potters: (from) Lynch, Anderton, Dyer, Wrixton, Evans, Homer, Haskell, Smith, Delaney, Webb, Satterley, Shepherd, Kelly, Gajic, Dear, Saxby.

Ringwood: (from) Daley, Pierson, Tyler, Osman, W Hole, Ridout, Manning, Elezi, Brown, Edwards, Terry, Morrell, Steele, Bailey.