Cirencester Town extended their unbeaten run in the Western Division to 14 games while their title rivals began to stutter at the weekend.

A 1-0 triumph at Stourport Swifts moved the Centurions up to fourth in the table with five games in hand on many of their fellow championship candidates.

Gareth Hopkins' 17th-minute strike earned Ciren maximum points while leaders Redditch could only draw 1-1 at home to Bedworth, Gloucester were beaten 2-1 by Yate and Team Bath were held to a goalless stalemate by Evesham.

But Brian Hughes' side had to work hard to take advantage of surprises elsewhere and it took a fine save from Paul Thompson to keep out John Hayward's powerful shot in the last minute of the game.

Thompson was also in action early on, racing off his line to save bravely at the feet of Robert Taylor.

Craig Webb coaxed another fine stop from Thompson before Hopkins struck.

Stourport failed to clear an Andy McCabe cross and the ball fell to Mike Davis who fired over a pinpoint cross for Hopkins to head home.

A great save from Lee Evans kept McCabe's powerful drive from hitting the back of the net before the break.

Gary Wotton headed just wide after the interval and Hopkins cleared the bar with another headed attempt.

In the final stages both keepers were called upon to react quickly when Evans came quickly off his line to deny Scott Griffin and Thompson produced his full-stretch save to palm away Hayward's powerful drive.

CIRENCESTER : Thompson, Bird, McEntegart, Richards, Mayo, Wotton, Robison, McCabe, Hopkins, Bevan, Davis. Suns: Wimble, Fraser, Fitch, Griffin.

CHIPPENHAM were without a game in the Premier Division as many of their rivals were taking part in the third round of the FA Trophy.

Bath City were knocked out 1-0 at Staines and Weymouth player-boss Steve Claridge scored twice in his side's amazing 8-5 win at Lewes.

Former Swindon Town veteran Paul Hunt climbed off the bench to net a last-minute equaliser for Weston, who drew 2-2 at Conference club Gravesend.