EIGHT points ahead with eight matches remaining - that's the encouraging state of Evesham United's challenge to lift the Southern League Division One Midlands title, writes Mervyn Collins.

However, one look at Evesham's opposition during the final six weeks of the season guarantees that there will be no easy ride and nothing will be taken for granted.

Paul West takes his side to Barton Rovers on Saturday to face an impr-oved side that has won four and drawn two of its last six matches.

Rovers also have to visit St George's Lane and, with a chance of a late push for a play-off place, they will prove another stiff obstacle for United.

The Robins also have away games at play-off hopefuls Bishops Cleeve, Rushall and Leighton, so there promises to be nothing given away and West's men will be made to fight for the points that could lead to championship glory.

Prior to Tuesday's draw with another play-off hopeful, Stourbridge, West declared.

"Every game now is like a cup final. I have looked at all our games and they are all very, very big.

"It's just a case of taking one at a time and approaching each one as if it's our last. All we are going to try and do is to be positive."

Daniel Lennon will be back in contention on Saturday after missing the midweek game due to suspension. Steve Lutz, though, sits out the final game of a three-match ban, while Danny Scheppel is likely to be given another week to recover from his knee problem.

Eager "Danny (Scheppel) is eager to play but another week off will benefit him as we are going to need him later in the season," West admitted.

"if we can get through this period with missing players then we will be in a good position for the last few games in terms of bodies and we will need everyone to be at their best."

Two new faces - Danny Allen and Anton Johns - were on the bench against Stourbridge and both will play a part in United's run-in.

"We didn't start well again on Tuesday and that is something we have got to address quickly," the manager admitted. "I thought we were better in the second half and could have nicked a win but i think a draw was a fair result."

4:00pm Wednesday 12th March 2008

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