CIRENCESTER TOWN’S Development Team completed the double over league leaders Oxford City Nomads on Saturday, prompting boss Clive Messenger to insist ‘the title is now ours to lose’.

Having beaten the Nomads 5-4 on their plastic pitch on the opening day of the season, the visit of Oxford was much anticipated.

But Messenger’s boys not only maintained their unbeaten record in the Hellenic Div Two West, they emphatically saw off their rivals 4-1.

It took the young Centurions to one point behind Oxford but they now have four games in hand.

The goals came from Shane Bumphrey and Jacob Davidge, both of whom have featured for the senior team this season, along with Tom Luce and Ollie Pitt.

“It was not just the result which was pleasing but the attitude and desire of the lads who have been forced to put up with a long weather break,” said Messenger.

“Our tempo in the first half was outstanding and all four goals were excellent.

“Ollie Pitt has finished off a fine team move with a great volley and then Shane Bumphrey chased down the goalie before stealing the ball off him and putting it into an empty net. Tom Luce made it 3-0 before half-time with a lovely curling shot into the top corner.

“We lost concentration for 10 minutes in the second half and they pulled one back. Before that Adam Clatworthy saved a penalty which was also vital.

“But we regrouped and Jacob ran at two defenders from inside his own half before finishing really well.”