JAMES Constable reminded 900-plus supporters why he is one of the hottest prospects in the non-League game as Chippenham strengthened their position at the top of the Premier Division.

The striker has struggled to find top form this term and has spent much of the past month on the bench.

But a midweek double in the Premier Shield win at Salisbury earned him a start in the top-of-the-table clash with Merthyr Tydfil and Constable repeated the trick with another outstanding brace to see off the Welsh club.

A 2-0 win was a fair reflection of the Bluebirds' superiority against a Merthyr side that have started to falter badly since the turn of the year.

In a first half of few chances, Ian Herring came closest to netting when he flashed a header wide from Scott Walker's corner.

Constable opened his account on 53 minutes.

Collecting a cross from Walker, the young hitman turned his marker and unleashed a shot which flew into the top corner via a deflection.

Chippenham gave themselves some breathing space with a wonderful second 20 minutes from time.

Walker left two Merthyr midfielders bemused by a backheel to Mark Badman.

He sent Sam Allison scampering down the left flank and his whipped cross was powered home by Constable's head.

The visitors did threaten in the closing stages, but Mark Hervin was in top form again, producing a breathtaking tip over from Jeff Eckhardt's point-blank header.

With second-placed Bedford not in action, Steve White's men now have a three-point cushion at the summit.

Cirencester remain in the thick of the title battle too after a 3-1 home win over Hitchin lifted the Centurions to third.

Gary Wotton's superb volley from the edge of the box opened the scoring on 36 minutes but the teams were level at half-time after Josh Sozzo waltzed past two defenders and unleashed an unstoppable shot from 25 yards.

Ciren eventually took control in the final quarter of the game.

Shaun Wimble's free-kick was not cleared and Adi Viveash volleyed his first goal for the club.

Ben Fitch sealed the win two minutes from time, beating the offside trap and rounding the goalkeeper.