BATTLING Scarborough face the two biggest matches of their Football League history in a crunch Easter weekend.

The Seasiders follow tomorrow's tough trip to Hull City with an all important home game against fellow strugglers Carlise United on Easter Monday.

Six weeks ago and the trip to Boothferry Park looked like it would be a do or die derby, with both clubs adrift at the foot of division three.

However, in a dramatic turnaround of fortunes Boro and City have won four of their last six league matches marking them out as the form teams of the basement division.

The Seasiders are still rooted to the foot of the table but only on goal difference with Hartlepool and with games in hand on all the other strugglers have their destiny in their own hands.

Upwards of 1,000 travelling Boro fans are expected to swell the crowd to more than 8,000 for the tie with Hull.

The Seasiders will also be boosted by the news the Tiger's inspirational player-boss Warren Joyce will miss the game through suspension after picking up his eighth booking.

Boro boss Colin Addison is likely to go with experience for the trip down the coast.

Transfer deadline day loan signing from Scunthorpe Sean McAuley is expected to be drafted into the heart of the Boro defence alongside player-coach Jamie Hoyland and youngster Sean Rennison.

Fellow teenage centre-back Michael McNaughton is the player most likely to step down after a bout of 'flu. Striker Liam Robinson could also earn a place on the bench after scoring in Wednesday night's 1-1 draw with Norwegian outfit Tromso.

Another loan player, Nathan Jones, from Southend, could also make his League bow for Boro after playing in the friendly with Tromso.

While the Hull match is an important tie, the visit of Carlisle to the McCain Stadium on Easter Monday promises to be a make or break clash for both clubs.

Carlisle, who entertain Torquay tomorrow, have won just once in their last six games, a run which has seen them slide to 26th.

The Cumbrians are two points clear of Boro in the drop zone but importantly have played two more games than the Seasiders.Scarborough: from Parks, Russell, G Atkinson, Porter, McAuley, Rennison, Hoyland, Bullimore, Tate, Brodie, Roberts, Saville, Robinson, Jones.

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