WHEN the dust had settled at a passionate Ladymead on Tuesday night, not a lot had been firmed up apart from the fact that the clubs still have a healthy desire to be top dogs and have another chance to prove themselves next week, writes Kerry Miller.

Cinderford Town dropped two points when they drew at home with Winchester City with a late equaliser on the same evening, the news of which was doubly frustrating for Peacocks’ fans as a win at Tivvy could have seen a four-point swing and with the two playing each other in the Forest at the end of this fascinating campaign, it might have brought the ultimate title showdown.

As it is, Town are still in there pitching and will have both Lewis Powell and Jamie Price back on Saturday for their trip to Shortwood United before the second derby on Tuesday, which is bound to attract the best crowd of the season at the Viridor Stadium and in the division.

While unlikely to reach the heights of the classic Western League derbies in front of a packed Wordsworth Drive with the likes of Phil Everett, Kevin Smith and Andy Perrett, it will be a special night, as Taunton are all but sure of a play-off place but the championship title is still attainable.

They cannot afford anymore setbacks, as Marlow are next at home before visits to the top two, Banbury and Cinderford which will decide whether they are crowned champions or climb into the bear pit of the end of season play-offs.