OXFORD Chargers begin a crucial week for their National Development League play-off push when they take on Mildenhall Fen Tigers tonight (7.30pm).

The Sandy Lane outfit are fourth in the third tier, six points ahead of this evening's visitors – who they meet for the return fixture at Suffolk Downs on Sunday.

If Chargers win by seven points or more on home shale, Mildenhall must also deny Peter Schroeck’s team a consolation this weekend to keep their play-off hopes alive.

The mathematical possibilities have been placed to the back of the joint manager’s mind, though.

Schroeck said: “When they’re firing on all cylinders, they’re capable of beating any team at this level – home or away.

“A couple of good results on the road have kept them in the hunt for the play-offs, and they’ll be viewing Wednesday as a must-win fixture given how close we are in the table to each other.

“It’s must-win for us, too. We’ve asked a lot of the boys this season and more often than not they’ve been able to deliver the goods.

"Now we need another big push to help solidify our position inside the play-off frame.”

Chargers will once again be without fans’ favourite Nathan Stoneman who remains on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.

Tigers meanwhile have booked Max Clegg to guest at number five, while rider replacement will operate in the absence of Sam Bebee.

Schroeck added: “It would be the dream to bring home some silverware to mark the conclusion of our regeneration campaign.

“We’re not getting ahead of ourselves, but it’s true to say a position in the National Development League play-offs is firmly in our hands.

"We’ll miss Nathan as he has been a big points-scorer at this level.

“But if we stick to the basics and show our usual track craft, I’m confident we can achieve a positive result.”