TWELVE months ago, Evesham United had accumulated 33 points from 22 games - and that proved a platform for a place in the end-of-season play-Offs albeit only cemented with a win in the final match.

Paul West's side have already collected 11 more points after two fewer games and are right on course to make a bold claim for the Division One Midlands title.

The Robins are halfway through the 40-match schedule and, unlike last term when Brackley were the runaway champions, there promises to be a ding-dong battle for supremacy this time around.

Leamington currently top the table two points clear of Evesham, having played a match more.

But it's further down the table where the potential champions might lie with FA Cup heroes Chasetown having five games in hand on the leaders and only 11 points adrift.

The Scholars have paid the price for success with two players signing for Port Vale and another moving to AFC Telford.

Chasetown, however, have plenty of money in the bank though after their giant-killing exploits and will use it to strengthen their squad with Evesham's former Kidderminster Harriers striker Gary Hay understood to be a target.

The Robins are without a game on Saturday but should add three more points to their impressive tally on Tuesday night when they host a swift return with Berkhamsted Town.

Only two of last season's leading five in the middle of January stayed there so there are bound to be many twists and turns come the end of April. Evesham boss West said: "If you would have said to me at the start of the season that we would be third in the table with games in hand then I would have been absolutely delighted.

"I actually showed the current table to the players last Saturday just to try and dispel any doubts after the last two games.

"The table shows that we are not a bad side but there is still plenty of work to be done."