The destiny of Bourton Rovers remains in their own hands (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

The destiny of Bourton Rovers remains in their own hands

BOURTON Rovers face the simple equation of having to win their last three games to be crowned as Northern Senior League Division Two champions.

It was four, but Monday night's two-goal triumph over an already relegated Harrow Hill side meant that the Rissington Roaders and their battle-weary squad have overcome the first hurdle in their pursuit of front-runners Cam Bulldogs.

The nervy victory over the league's whipping boys, courtesy of goals from the reliable combination of Mark Payne and Matthew Winter, followed on from an altogether more battling performance against the current leaders Cam at the weekend.

The Bulldogs had gone into the game knowing that victory over Tony Spedding's side would have put them ten points clear and in a near unassailable position going into their final game at Newent Town this Saturday.

But a solid defensive performance, with Michael Hughes impressively dropping into the back line in place of an absent Paul McPhilimey, ensured Bourton kept a clean sheet whilst rarely threatening themselves.

The closest the visitors came was from a second half header, which looped just wide, and a last-gasp free kick that was deflected past the wrong-footed goalkeeper's left hand upright.

Winter came closest for Bourton with a flashing, 30-yard drive that was turned over.

With McPhilimey among five players still unavailable for Monday night's trip to the Forest of Dean, and Stuart Hughes having to retire at half-time with an infected foot, there was to be no repeat of the seven-goal thumping that resulted from the earlier fixture between the two.

After Payne had latched on to a short back-pass to give Bourton the advantage, Graham Newhook had gone narrowly wide with a flashing left-foot drive and Tim Hudson had sliced a right-footed finish high over from a good position, the home side grew in confidence.

In fact, Rovers' keeper Andrew Herbert had to be in sparkling form, first to foil a one-on-one and then beat out a fierce angled drive.

Michael Hughes then headed off the line before Rovers' nerves were settled with five minutes remaining when Matthew Winter was on hand to turn in Tom Arkell's pull back from under the cross bar.

Bourton, who were due to face Mitcheldean at home on Wednesday night, follow that up by hosting Stonehouse Freeway at the weekend.

Their remaining game scheduled is for the following Friday at Bishop's Cleeve.

But they fervently hope, if they are still in with a chance of the title at that stage, to be taking another huge following to the same Kayte Lane venue as they played at in the Senior Cup Final.