Premier Comb'n Leaders 'Bourne braced for 'massive few games'

TIM Minihane and his Winterbourne United table toppers began what he labelled “a massive few games ahead” as they took a significant step nearer securing the Premier Division title with a 4-1 away victory over Nicholas Wanderers.

- Simon PARKINSON

They achieved it via Craig Doyle's double and James Mainstone and Dan Brown goals to stretch their lead over second-placed Hallen Reserves, who were beaten 3-1 at home by DRG Frenchay, to nine points. Billy Arnold notched for Nics.

“It was a comfortable win and we could have scored more, but as ever there it was a really tough game,” said Bourne boss Minihane.

Bourne were looking to close in further on the crown with three points at Longwell Green Sports Reserves this week before focusing on Saturday’s key home encounter with Hallen (2pm), as the business end of the Premier Division programme intensified.

DRG entered the week still with a mathematical chance of claiming the title with games in hand, with their hopes helped by Emiel Aiken, Oliver Holden and Dean Preddie strikes in that victory at Hallen, who had Toby Walwin on target.

The Frenchay-based fliers, eyeing at least a runners-up spot come the campaign's conclusion, were due to face Olveston United last night, while Hallen were pencilled in for a home tussle with Thornbury Town Reserves 24 hours later.