CHICKERELL United manager Steve Coward says his players are “buzzing” ahead of what could be a title-clinching match at Portland United Reserves in the Dorset Senior League tonight (6.30pm).

If Gillingham Town Reserves – who sit four points behind the Chickens with three games to go – lose to Blandford United Reserves and Coward’s side pick up the win at Grove Corner, then they will win the league.

However, the manager knows tonight’s game is all-important and he feels his side already have a grasp on the title.

Coward said: “It’s all in our hands now and it feels like we have one hand on it (the title).

“The lads have all seen it (the league table) and they’re all buzzing.

“But I’ve told them they need to calm down and get the three points there.”

Portland United Reserves currently sit bottom of the table but Coward is expecting a stern test of his side’s credentials.

“It’s a local derby,” he explained. “They will up their game by 10 or 20 per cent and if you’re not willing to up your game then you could get caught.

“We look at it as three points before we go into it and that’s what we will be expecting.

“If you don’t perform and you’re not up for the game then you can get caught out.

“But the lads are buzzing, and if they are not up for the game then they can’t get up for anything.”

If Gillingham do secure three points tonight it will set up the mouth-watering prospect of Chickerell trying to win the title on Saturday, April 30, at Gillingham.

Also looking ahead to tonight's game, Portland Reserves’ manager Justin Faulkner said: “We last met at the start of the season at the Stalls with Chickerell running out 2-1 winners, which we thought was a little harsh on us.

"We collectively thought we had done enough to have got at least a point from that game.

“The Chickens are a good side, you don’t get to top of the league if you aren't."

He added: “Results haven’t gone for us lately so it’s imperative that we defend well and give ourselves the best chance of getting something from our remaining five fixtures, which are all at home.

“Being a local derby I don’t think my lads will need much motivation for this game and I will make sure the lads all know their roles and are organised.”