CAPTAIN Paul Atkinson believes Droitwich Hockey Club's men's first XI control their own title destiny.

Spa have a healthy over Walsall in the West Midlands Division after Saturday's win over Kingswinford (match report - p117).

Droitwich can take a big step towards clinching the title when they take on closest rivals Whitchurch at home on Saturday (12pm start).

Atkinson said: "We really do control our destiny at the moment and it's important we don't let that ability slip through our fingers.

"If we could beat Whitchurch then we would have put ourselves in a great position to win the league."

With two thirds of the season gone only Whitchurch and Walsall seem capable of catching Droitwich.

Both teams have a game in hand, but trail by five points.

Atkinson though wants revenge for his side's defeat to Whitchurch earlier in the campaign.

He said: "They were the one team to really beat us and now we're hoping we can get some vengeance.

"At this stage it's important that we don't give the other sides any chance of catching us."

Saturday's game starts a crucial period for Atkinson's side.

After Whitchurch Droitwich go to in-form Market Drayton on February 5, before entertaining Walsall a week later.

The captain said: "We're entering a really important stage of the season and we can't afford any mistakes.

"When you are at the top of the table every team raises their game to beat you."