A SUMMER change in the structure of the Pontins League threatens Wanderers reserves' top flight status.

The second team faces a difficult battle to avoid relegation with only a four-point cushion separating them from the bottom three.

But a plan to cut the size of the existing three divisions and introduce a new Fourth Division for next season increases their chances of dropping out of the top division next season.

A move to send five teams down and block promotion from the Second Division this season will be discussed and voted upon at the Pontins League annual general meeting on June 5.

If it gets sufficient support then the teams finishing between 14th and 18th will go down.

That adds to the pressure on the Burnden second string who are currently 12th after winning 3-1 at Birmingham and losing 2-1 at home to relegation-threatened Wolves this week.

That could mean a relegation double for Wanderers whose senior side now needs a miracle to preserve their Premiership existence.

The plan has been put forward by clubs seeking to reduce the burden of games and streamline the division.

It would create 13-strong first, second and third divisions with 12 teams in the new fourth.

And with plenty of support for the changes, it is going to be tense last few games for the Burnden reserves whose struggle has been surprising after winning the title last season.

Wanderers will be determined to avoid the drop as they look to continue reaping the benefits of playing against better quality opposition.

Manager Colin Todd highlighted the importance of staying up.

"It's better for the lads to be playing against the better players and that win at Birmingham keeps our heads above water," he said.

"It's funny the way that the reserves always seem to reflect the first team.

"Last season we were promoted to the Premier League and the reserves won the title and this year the first team is struggling and the reserves seem to be following suit. But I'm sure they will survive."

If the plan gets the go-ahead it will be bad news for Middlesbrough who look certainties to win the Second Division this season.

Leicester City, too, will be annoyed at the decision. They have a chance of going up and can guarantee to attract some of the biggest crowds of the season.

Their family fun nights attract average attendances of around 5,000 which would rise even further with the added attraction of clubs like Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester United at Filbert Street.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.