TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE: THE first side to crack will concede the Division One title as the league is hit by 12 postponements in the first round of mid-week matches.

After recent victories over rivals North Bradley Saints and Rudloe, and after Saints were left shell-shocked at Warminster, champions Broughton Gifford looked destined for an 11th championship in two decades.

But despite ten-men Gifford staging a tremendous recovery to beat bogey side Frome Town Sports, a hat-trick of titles will go Saints' way if they win their remaining five matches irrespective of Gifford.

Saints, whose final game is scheduled at Rudloe, ascended to pole position after early and late second half strikes from Scott Askew conquered Seend United 2-0.

Gifford, who were expected to reduce Saints' advantage to one point in last night's visit from Freshford United, trailed to Damien Edwards' first half goal and then had Matty Coles sent off in the 57th minute before Ashley Groves, Chris Stiles and John Hibbard sealed a 3-1 fight back.

Freshford, whose return to Division Two is set to be confirmed after hosting Saints tomorrow, failed to clinch a valuable lifeline in a 5-3 defeat at Trowbridge United.