PLYMOUTH Albion's fight for survival got a cash boost when they hosted Championship rivals Nottingham at the weekend.

The Green Army – Nottingham Rugby's official supporters' club – has been raising money to help Albion's plight.

The city's rugby union side issued a £250,000 fundraising appeal last month after a potentially-catastrophic black hole opened up in their finances.

But Nottingham fans armed themselves with buckets to aid the cause at their previous home match, pocketing £580.

And that grew to over £600 by the time Green Army members took to The Brickfields pitch to hand over their cheque on Saturday.

Albion supporters provided a further £1,000 boost, as many donated £10 to the fighting fund on the gate.

It has taken the club's fundraising total to around the £190,000 mark – only £60,000 short of the figure needed to stay afloat into next season.

Nottingham – nicknamed the Green and White – faced their own cash crisis in 2008, and only stayed afloat after backing from local businesses and the rugby community.

Albion spokeswoman Louise Uncles said: "The response has been phenomenal from shareholders, supporters, corporate customers and sponsors alike.

"It is particularly heartwarming to have the reaction that we have from Nottingham supporters.

"This just illustrates the swell of feeling throughout the Championship league to see clubs survive and prosper. It's nice that the rugby fraternity are so close."

A half-time presentation on the pitch saw supporters of the two clubs come together.

If Albion fail to hit their target the club faces the prospect of liquidation, which would spell an end to professional rugby in Plymouth.

The Herald is backing the fundraising push as Albion, narrowly defeated by Nottingham and struggling on the pitch as the relegation play-offs loom, look to maintain their Championship status.

HOW TO HELP: Make a donation. Send cheques payable to PARFC, to: Plymouth Albion RFC, Brickfields Recreation Ground, 25 Damerel Close, Plymouth, PL1 4NE, or by bank transfer to: Plymouth Albion Rugby Football Club Donations, account number 36379743, sort code 56-00-63 quoting the donor's name and the word 'donation'.

Become a member – complete the online membership form at www.plymouthalbion.com.

Buy or renew your debenture at a cost of £1,000 for seven years. A debenture gives you a guaranteed grandstand seat and normal entrance fees apply. Email donations@plymouthalbion.com.

See match report: Pages 6 and 7 of sport supplement