THIS time last week, Cirencester boss Brian Hughes was targeting runners-up spot in the Dr Martens Western Division.

Seven days on, and with midweek results going their way, Ciren are suddenly back in the title reckoning.

While Hughes' men were grinding out a nervy 1-0 win over Yate on Tuesday night, championship chasing neighbours Gloucester City slipped to a shock 4-2 defeat at Evesham.

The double boost elevated the Centurions to second, five points behind leaders Redditch with two games remaining.

A tall order you would think, but Redditch's remaining games are against Gloucester and Ciren.

So the title equation for Hughes and Co is simple win at Rugby United tomorrow and against Redditch on the final weekend, and hope that Gloucester triumph against the leaders.

As ever though, Hughes is playing down the club's chances.

He said: "We'll just take our weary troops to Rugby to see if we can get a result.

"If we don't win there and it won't be easy it's all academic.

"I will only start thinking about the permutations at five o'clock Saturday.

"I still think it's a tall order though, and realistically we're just looking to finish second ahead of Gloucester."

The long season has taken its toll on Ciren's slim squad and several players will travel up the M5 carrying knocks.

Jody Bevan, Scott Griffin and Andy McCabe all have ankle injuries, while Marc Richards is suffering from tendonitis.

The walking wounded are all taking anti-inflammatories in a bid to play a part in a potentially historic run-in.

But one player definitely ruled out for the rest of the campaign is inspirational defender Darren Robison.

The former Newport man faces a two-game suspension after collecting 10 bookings.