Peterborough Sports will need to be close to perfection to have any chance of winning the title

Most of the division was washed out last weekend leaving Sports in second place, just one point behind leaders Tamworth who have two games in hand.

Third-placed Royston are the title tip of most good judges of step three football. They are a point behind Sports with two games in hand, and they have a clear run at the title after losing in an FA Trophy quarter-final this week.

Only the champions are promoted to the National League North/South Division next season with the next four finishers taking part in one-legged semi-finals with the highest placed team having home advantage.

Sports are currently 10 points clear of sixth place ahead of tomorrow’s home game with Needham Market (March 7, 3pm) and a Monday (March 9) trip to Hitchin.

“Royston are an outstanding side,” Dean said. “They will take some stopping, but we do have them at home on the final day of the season.

“We probably need to win 10 of our 11 games to win the title and even then it might not be enough. Six or seven wins would probably secure a play-off spot, but it’s vital to finish as high as possible to make sure you have the play-off games at home.

“I wouldn’t rule us out of anything as we are playing well and winning games.

“In the current form table over the last six matches we are top of the division with 16 points, but Needham Market are not far behind.

“Ex-Manchester City player Kevin Horlock took over as manager there recently and he’s really got them going.

“I watched them beat Rushden & Diamonds recently and they deserved the win.

“They work hard, they are well organised and they have a very good centre forward so it’s a tough game for us.”

Sports have scored 88 goals in their 31 league games this season, nine more than any other team in the top 15 divisions of English football. Their remaining fixtures are favourable.

Dean has a full squad to select from tomorrow, but has to make a decision on striker Mark Jones whose work commitments have kept him away from training in recent weeks.

FIXTURES

Saturday, March 3

SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Premier Division Central: Peterborough Sports v Needham Market.

Division One Central: Coleshill v Yaxley.

NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE

South East Division: Kidsgrove v Stamford, Wisbech v Loughborough Dynamo.

UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Premier Division: ON Chenecks v Deeping, Oadby v Peterborough Northern Star, Pinchbeck v Cogenhoe, Shepshed Dynamo v Holbeach.

Division One: Bourne Town v Whittlesey Ath, Raunds v Blackstones.

EASTERN COUNTIES LEAGUE

Division One North: Norwich CBS v March Town.