Town's hopes rest on the final game of the season (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Town's hopes rest on the final game of the season

THE prediction of Centurions' manager Brian Hughes that the promotion spot and the play-off places would be decided on the final day of the season has proved to be absolutely correct.

But having beaten Dunstable 4-0 last weekend, Cirencester go into Saturday's home game knowing that not only do they have to beat Hemel Hempstead but that other results need to go their way to have any chance of making the play-offs.

While the championship and automatic promotion is a two-horse race between league leaders Chippenham and second-placed Histon, Cirencester, currently in ninth spot, know the odds are stacked against them.

But whatever happens, the Cirencester team have enjoyed another marvellous season following promotion last season.

On Saturday, Dunstable had only the faintest of chances on avoiding relegation, but they looked as though they were going to put up a fight right to the end.

From a Stuart Maynard corner, Marc Kefford's header was well saved by Mark Bryant and, in their next build-up, James Hatch broke free and it took a telling tackle from Craig Curtis to clear the danger.

Shortly after, they went close when a ball from Maynard found Andrew Findlay in space and his angled shot was only just over the bar.

It was mid-way through the half when Town got their opener from a long clearance by Bryant. Hopkins and Jody Bevan split the home defence and Bevan's final ball left Taylor stranded for Hopkins to make no mistake from eight yards.

Within three minutes the visitors got their second. A great ball from Marc Richards found Nick Stanley whose powerful angled shot cannoned back off a post.

And Richards, quick enough to the rebound, laid off for Paul Hunt who made no mistake from eight yards.

In a quick break just before half-time, a shot from Dunstable's Findlay was well saved by the advancing Bryant.

Town stepped up a gear in the second half. Richards' powerful shot found the side netting and after a great move involving Michael Jackson, Hopkins and Bevan, Jackson's powerful finish was only just over the bar.

On the hour, hosts were reduced to ten men when keeper Taylor handled outside the box. He was immediately red-carded and, from the free kick Halliday, fired home to put the visitors three up.

With Findlay taking over the keeper's jersey, Cirencester were soon bombarding the six-yard box.

Some 20 minutes from the end, Hopkins rounded Findlay to slot the ball into an empty net or a 4-0 lead.

Some 15 minutes from the end, Cirencester made a triple substitution with Shaun Wimble, Ben Fitch and Stuart Fraser replacing Halliday, Hunt and Bevan.

However, for the remainder of the game, it was Town always in control. Cirencester Town: Bryant, Bird, Halliday (Fitch 75), Jackson, Richards, Curtis, Robison, Stanley, Hopkins, Bevan (Wimble 75), Hunt (Fraser 75). Subs: Griffin. Referee P A Toyer (Luton), attendance 114.