BASINGSTOKE Town have a genuine chance of winning the Vanarama Conference South heading into the final six games of the season.

There was a dramatic twist in the title race last Saturday, with leaders Bromley, who had looked odds-on to win the league, going down to a shock 1-0 defeat at home to bottom-of-the-table Staines Town.

They remain in pole position, one point ahead of Boreham Wood, who have played a game more, with Town just two points further back.

It’s an unprecedented position for Basingstoke to be in – and manager Jason Bristow is looking forward an exciting end to the season.

He said: “There are six games to go and we are in a position that we have not been in before, in that we are contenders.

“Saturday’s win at Whitehawk was huge for us and Bromley losing opened the door, but it’s still Bromley’s to lose. They have got some games they will be looking forward to, as have Boreham Wood, but they still have to play each other. We just need to keep taking each game as it comes and see what happens.”

Of the three main title contenders, it is Town who are in the best form. Their 1-0 win over play-off-chasing Whitehawk made it three wins out of four, while they are unbeaten in five and have lost just one of their last 10.

Saturday’s opposition, Wealdstone, have lost three of their last four and are safe in mid-table, with little to play for between now and the end of the season.

“It’s one of those games that you look at and, on paper, it should be a good game, but it could prove very tough,” Bristow said. “As last Saturday showed, anyone can beat anyone else in this league and we have to make sure we are on our game.

“They might come here with the shackles off, which could suit us, but if they come here for a point, we have to deal with that and make sure we come out on top.”

An added draw for Saturday’s game (3pm) at The Soccer AM Stadium will be the presence of The Wealdstone Raider, an internet celebrity who rose to prominence after being filmed during a Wealdstone game. He released a charity single on the back of this, reaching number five in the Christmas charts.

Bristow added: “We have already been told that a few extra people will be coming to the game because of The Wealdstone Raider, but whatever reason people are coming for, it’s up to us to put on a show and make sure they want to come back.”

Town will have to do without Reading defender Rob Dickie, who is unlikely to return to his loan club after being called up to the England Under-19 squad.

Jay Gasson will take Dickie’s place at the heart of the defence, while it is hoped that midfielder Jamie Brown will be fit to play some part over the Easter period following a groin operation.

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