FAIRFORD boss Paul Braithwaite believes the slight edge his team have over Clanfield in the Hellenic League Division One West table could prove crucial come the end of the season.

The Cinder Lane outfit triumphed 4-0 over their rivals on Saturday and therefore leapfrogged them into third in the standings.

Ahead of tomorrow’s away trip to North Leigh United, Braithwaite is delighted to be riding high in the table which is a position he feels his side are worthy of.

“We had one a game in hand on Clanfield going into the game and we said that our main aim was to come out of the match ahead of them, which is what we did,” said Braithwaite.

“That point difference is key for us because we still have our game in hand, so if we can make that count whenever it comes around it could be really important.

“We are up to third now which is nice and we’re determined to keep going.

“We are going to be quiet and just go about our business and if we can do that there’s no reason why not.

“A few people have said they didn’t quite realise where we were but we’ll do what we need to do and see what happens.”

New College are scheduled to entertain Shortwood reserves tomorrow but boss Rob Hopkins is downbeat on the prospects of the game actually going ahead.

“I’m 99 per cent sure it will be off. I know there’s rain forecast for Friday night and Saturday morning so I’d say it won’t be on,” said Hopkins.

“Unless the pitch drains amazingly then I cannot envisage we’ll play.

“I think there will probably be a late call. I don’t think there will be enough rain on Friday so it will probably be postponed on Saturday.”

Elsewhere in the division, Malmesbury are set to travel to Easington.