State of play | Anstey Nomads and Carlton Town do battle in title showdown

In the Midlands Division, Anstey Nomads’ impeccable run over the last six weeks, in which they’ve won 10 on the spin, erased a 14-point deficit they had to Carlton Town and put themselves in the driving seat heading into the final day.

The two were tied on points going into the penultimate weekend of the season, with Anstey top on goal difference. Conrad Logan’s side did their bit and won again away at St Neots Town, relegating the hosts.

Meanwhile, Carlton had to score late once again for the second game running to claim a result. Unlike at Bourne Town, where the late goal secured a win, Niall Davie’s 94th-minute effort could only salvage a point against Sutton Coldfield Town.

Ultimately, it was a good result for Andy Clerke and Mark Harvey’s side, given the circumstances, as they played the majority of the game with 10 men after Niall Hylton’s first-half red card.

It also means they still have an opportunity to climb above Anstey on the final day, as the gap between the two sides is two points.

“If we got beat today, with the goal difference, next week would have been irrelevant,” Clerke said after their draw with Sutton Coldfield.

“Anstey have still got to win it. They’re not naive, they still have to go and get a result. They look unstoppable at the minute, and if they win 11 on the bounce, that’s some form to see it out. But we’re going to be here until the very last game.”

Both title rivals are at home on the final day. As Andy Clerke mentioned, an 11th straight win for Conrad Logan’s side against ninth-placed Wellingborough Town will see them over the line.

Jake Stone’s side have won just one of their last nine games, which saw their play-off hopes fade away and ultimately become unattainable when they lost 3-2 against fellow top-five chasers Shepshed Dynamo last Saturday.

If Carlton are to win the title, they will need to win. They host already-relegated Coventry Sphinx, who are winless in their last 11 games, last tasting victory in late February.

A win, paired with a loss for Anstey, would see the Millers usurp Conrad Logan’s side and lift the Midlands title. A draw could see that happen, too, but Carlton would have to win by 12 goals.

Either way, it’s been an entertaining battle atop the Midlands division, and there’s a likelihood that a team with 90 points will have to settle for a play-off place. Whoever that is out of the two sides will have home advantage throughout.