GARRINGTONS Sunday have the Redditch Combination Premier Division title in their sights after three victories consolidated their lead at the top of the table.

And their fate could be decided on Sunday when they take on Black Horse --who have won the league for the last four years -- in a winner-takes-all clash.

Wins over Bromsgrove Athletico, Hymatic/Allendale and Sherwood Rangers moved Garringtons a step closer to the title they last won in 1995.

The victory-run began last Tuesday in a 3-1 win over Sherwood Rangers.

Garringtons were the better footballing side in the first half, although Sherwood looked dangerous on the break.

It took until the 44th minute for Garringtons to take the lead. Robert Powell was played into the penalty box and picked his spot to score.

But the second half was played with both sets of players looking as if they could not wait for the season to end.

The game woke up in the 85th minute when Daniel Lewis kicked a long ball down field for Powell to head on for Kevin Banner to break clear and chip the advancing Sherwood goal keeper Michael Scott to make it 2-0. Within two minutes it was 3-0 when Powell hit a tremendous right foot shot into the corner of the net.

Sherwood's Mark Hughes scored an almost identical goal to get a deserved consolation.

A crucial 1-0 win over Hymatic/Allendale was earnt last Thursday, a game transferred to the HDA ground due to bad weather.

Excellent football

Both teams played excellent football and came close on numerous occasions, with both goalkeepers making fine saves.

Garringtons defended better in the second half and looked more likely to score. They eventually got the winner in the 85th minute when Richard Pincher scored a fine goal.

Garringtons had a dream start in their 4-3 triumph over Bromsgrove Athletico on Sunday, scoring as early as the third minute. Richard Pincher won the ball and played it to Kevin Banner to score from 15 yards.

Then Simon West won the ball and played it for Pincher to run on to score.

Pincher was again involved in Garringtons three goals.

Receiving the ball off Scott Walsh, he saw Banner on the run and played it into the hole for Banner to run on and pick his spot to score.

Garringtons increased their lead to 4-0 in the 43rd minute when Banner played Richard Pincher through, who raced goalwards and shot. Athletico goal keeper Chris Perry did well to save but Gary Eades followed up and cracked it into the goal.

On Athletico's attack from the kick off they forced a right wing corner, from which Steve Frost headed home.

It took until the 70th minute for Athletico to capitalise on their possession. A right wing cross from Mark Sweetley was headed home at the back post. Within two minutes Athletico pulled another goal back. Dan Lewis half saved a Rose shot and Sydenham following up scored from close range.

Garringtons' defenders stoutly hung on to just about deserve the win.