SIMON Charity believes this season should live long in the memory of everyone at Hardenhuish, regardless of whether they clinch the Southern Premier League title.

Ahead of tomorrow's crucial clash at home to fellow promotion hopefuls Bedford Town, the Bluebirds' stalwart has described Chippenham's achievements over the last nine months as "remarkable".

He believes most people thought Chippenham had found their level after last season's disappointment at missing out on the play-offs but is delighted to be proving the doubters wrong.

He said: "Last season was the first real blip we have had since I have been here but I think a lot of people thought us missing out on the play-offs was the end of our amazing rise up the non league ladder.

"We have surprised a lot of people with how well we have done this season. Everyone at the club has helped to turn things round and it is fair to say, whatever happens in the next few games, what we have done is a remarkable achievement."

The 30-year-old utility player has been at Hardenhuish since 1998 and has enjoyed a Wembley appearance in the FA Vase final, back-to-back promotions into the Southern League, as well as a number of cup final triumphs.

Scorch, as he is known to fans and players alike, admits securing the title this campaign would go down as one of his top two footballing moments.

He said: "Obviously the FA Vase adventure was a unique and unforgettable experience that is and always will be the greatest moment of my career.

"Aside from that I think winning promotion this season and winning the title would be the next best thing.

"It is important to stress that we have not won anything yet and we all can do is take each game at a time and hopefully get enough points to secure the championship."

Charity is one of only four Chippenham players to have won a championship before having lifted the Screwfix Division One at Odd Down 14 years ago.

Ellis Wilmot, at Team Bath, Gary Thorne, at Merthyr Tydfil, and Rene Regis, in St Lucia, are the others, and Charity believes they could all play an important part in the run in.

He said: "Because we have got a very young side most of our players are going into unknown territory and it is important that us experienced ones try to help them through.

"I think it is a case of keeping the pressure off them because they have all done brilliantly so far without pressure.

"Steve White and Ron Needham are trying to install into everyone to just go out and play their natural game and if we do that, we will be there or thereabouts on April 30."

A win tomorrow would eliminate Bedford from the title equation and would leave Chippenham and Histon to go head-to-head for the ultimate prize.

At worst, three points would also secure the Bluebirds a place in the play-offs.