TWELVE games gone and I'll stick my neck out and say the league will be won with the lowest points total for a good few years.

The league is extremely competitive but I've got no fears about sending our team out to face anybody.

We proved that in two tight games against Nuneaton who are many people's bet to go straight back into the Conference.

Our problem is ourselves to some degree. It is being able to strike the right chord on a more consistent basis.

Certainly we were up for it in the two games against Nuneaton but Alan Lewer's side have got the knack of winning when not at their best which to be fair we have done on a couple of occasions this season.

In terms of the strength of the feeder leagues I think the management of the Southern League will be pleased with the competition they've produced.

It's surely the toughest league to get out of. Kettering are not in it and Burton Albion went elsewhere because you've got to really fight to climb out of it and it's as intense as ever.

The competitiveness of the league adds to the challenge and we have to be up for it.

We know we can compete with everybody in the league and there is the added challenge of being successful within the level of resources we have but there are times in a season that you need to add to your squad and bring in fresh faces and our time is now.

We have shown what we are capable of in this league but unfortunately not done it consistently.

We've whetted supporters' appetites and got them on the edge of their seats but they're left wondering what is going to happen next.

Nuneaton are definitely the ones to beat though we've still to play Weymouth but anyone can beat anyone if you are not right on the day.

For that reason we're going to have to scrap for the 13 or so places on offer for next year's Conference North or South whichever it is.

Saturday's defeat was a blow losing Jon Holloway and Carl Heeley but on the bright side we got Barry Woolley back after five weeks and Leon Kelly proved what an asset he is.

We're pleased to get Barry back now and he's the kind of young player that we are trying to attract.

He had a swift re-introduction into action on Saturday and was caught a little cold by Brian Quailey for the goal but looked assured thereafter.

All I'll say about Leon is that I'm glad he's with us. I bet if you asked Nuneaton's back four, especially their centre backs, they're relieved they haven't got to play him for a third weekend on the trot.

People have admired him for his strength and pace but he's also got other qualities and I've spoken to two or three Conference managers who said had they known he was available in the summer would have been in for him as well.

People can be critical of his craft and guile but by the same token you won't see a better goal than the one he scored against Wolves in pre-season and his goal against Nuneaton was the perfect way to finish off a one on one. That's seven goals in 12 league matches which is a good return!

JOHN BARTON was talking to reporter NAT SYLVESTER