WITH just a few days of the 44th season of the Robson Taylor, Chippenham League remaining, Corsham Centre have taken over as Premier Division pacesetters.

They need just one point from their two remaining matches to be crowned champions for a fifth successive season.

Until recently, the Centre’s leaky defence looked as if it would cost them the title, but an unbelievable turnaround in their last four games has seen them tighten up at the back, where they have not conceded a goal in 360 minutes of football.

Last night's 3-0 victory over The Gladstone Arms leaves them on the brink of completing a league and cup double, following their Wiltshire County Cup success. After a goalless first 45 minutes against Trevor Rawlings’ Gladstone Arms side, for whom it was rumoured was their last-ever match in the league, the game swung Corsham’s way following the introduction of substitute Simon Gray on 53 minutes.

Gray scored Corsham’s opener before Dan King gave the champions-elect some breathing space.

And it was left to Gray to seal the Centre’s 16 win of the campaign which extends their unbeaten run to 20 when he made it 3-0 with what was his 23rd goal of season.

Centre will be in action again on Thursday night and, if Martin Bradfields’ side avoid defeat against the Dog & Fox Ashley at Meriton Avenue, then the Premier Division winners trophy will draped in black and white ribbons for a fifth successive season ahead of it being presented to the Centre on Sunday afternoon.