CIRENCESTER Town have tightened the title race in Southern League Division One South and West with a 2-0 win over Cinderford Town.

The victory puts Ciren level on points Merthyr at the top of the table as the Welsh side could only manage a point at home to Yate Town.

Merthyr do have one game in hand over Bryan Hughes’ side but have to play Swindon Supermarine who will be battling to keep their own promotion hopes alive and will not want to give up three crucial points. So whilst it is not in Ciren’s hands it is not unrealistic that they could end the season on top.

Ciren’s goals came in each half from Joe Sheppard and Aiden Bennett. The first half was not the prettiest but after the break the Corinium Stadium side stepped it up to finish the game well.

The Foresters ended the game with 10 men as substitute Sam Hunt saw red for violent conduct late on.

Next for Cirencester is a trip to Mangotsfield on Saturday and Hughes will be hoping to see his side repeat their result from earlier in the season when they beat the South Gloucestershire outfit 2-1 back in September.