GORDON Saunderson came off the bench to score a vital equaliser at AFC Stratton on Saturday to all but clinch the Premier Division title.

The victory left Trowbridge four points behind Stratton at the top of the table but with four games in hand they look odds-on to secure the championship.

A hectic fixture list in the last few weeks has caused Trowbridge plenty of selection of problems and with the prospect of playing six games in the next two weeks, injuries could be the only thing to stand in their way.

Manager Neil Kirkpatrick said: "We have not won anything yet. Obviously we are favourites but we have got a nightmare schedule till the end of the season. We keep picking up injuries but their replacements keep performing well. The cup games are causing us a problem but our priority is the league."

Waleed Bakali joined Adam Nunn on the sidelines for the rest of the season when he dislocated his collarbone in Thursday night's 1-0 win at Corsham Town reserves.

As a result Kirkpatrick handed 16-year-old Adam Shackell his full debut on Saturday and the young midfielder did not disappoint.

Kirkpatrick said: "He has scored three goals from four appearances from the bench but it was a massive game for his make his first start.

"He has got great ability and didn't let anything worry him. It is pleasing to know that we have such confident youngsters coming through."

With Bakali and Mike Little unavailable for Saturday's match and Gordon Saunderson not fit enough to start Trowbridge handed starts to Daniel Barnes, Luke Smith and Shackell.

They took the lead on five minutes when Shackell won possession on the halfway line and put Simon Kitchen through on goal who finished confidently.

Stratton fought back strongly and on 20 minutes Kevin Coles headed home a right wing corner for the equaliser. Five minutes later Stratton went ahead as Mike Solan finished from close range after a left wing cross.

After the break Trowbridge pressed for the equaliser but, with Stratton defending deeply, were finding it hard to find their way through.

With time running out and nothing to lose Kirkpatrick threw on Saunderson in a more advanced role than normal and it paid dividends.

Andy Bloodworth floated the ball into a crowded area and Saunderson fired the loose ball into the net for a crucial point.

Trowbridge continued to limp towards the title on Tuesday night with a 0-0 draw at Melksham Town Reserves.

They were due to play Marlborough Town last night before entertaining Purton Reserves in the semi final of the league cup tomorrow.