PREVIEW: No panic in the City camp ahead of a crucial weekend

After 12 successive victories, City lost a crucial top-of-the-table clash 3-1 at St Albans last weekend to leave the title race excitingly poised.

Second-placed City are a point behind leaders Old Loughtonians with a game in hand, but St Albans are now three points further behind in third, but have an extra game in hand and a better goal difference.

City’s previous league defeat this season had also been against St Albans, back on September 24.

City have a tricky away game at Bedford tomorrow (February 25). St Albans play their game in hand, also against Bedford, the following day so it could be a crucial weekend of action.

“We were disappointed with the result at St Albans obviously,” City skipper Ross Booth said. “But the performance wasn’t at all bad. We started slowly and it ultimately cost us the game.

“The top of the table has tightened up as a result so we just need to reorganise and get our game plan back together for a tough game this week.

“Bedford could have a big say in the title race this weekend. Our aim is to win tomorrow without tiring them out too much!”

Bedford have former City players Dave Appleton and Simon Shorter in their ranks.

City of Peterborough seconds remain in control at the top of the Premier B Division after a hard fought 2-1 win at Havering, while Spalding maintained their promotion challenge with a 5-3 win at Felixstowe with Stuart Cunnington bagging a hat-trick.

City were handed a bye into the third round of the National Mixed Cup (they have been drawn at home to Harborne) when second round opponents Newark conceded their scheduled tie last weekend.

City of Peterborough Ladies have a top-of-the-table clash in East Division One North tomorrow when leaders Cambridge City visit Bretton Gate (11.30am).