ELIMINATION from the Supplementary Cup at the hands of Southall Town last week could be a blessing in disguise for Hounslow Borough as they chase the Hellenic League title (writes DALE HARRY).

Borough are currently 12 points behind leaders Finchampstead in seventh place, but have two games in hand. They will be hoping to reduce some of that deficit this Saturday (2.15pm) when entertaining Bisley Sports, a side they defeated 5-2 in December.

Hounslow boss Mick Turtle said: "We may be 12 points behind but promotion is still in our sights and I will be pushing my team right to the end.

"We have a slightly easier run-in of games than Finchampstead. They still face more of the top sides than we do, and this could be a factor."

Hounslow have to fit in three matches postponed over the Christmas period so being out of all the cups helps to avoid fixture congestion.

Another side in a strong position is fourth-placed Milton and Turtle is aware of the threat they pose: "Milton were relegated from the Premier division just a couple of seasons ago and they've had a very good run of late."

Borough do not play Milton until March 29th in what is likely to be a make-or-break match for both sides.

Hounslow's influential defender Paul Hine will play in his second game this Saturday after returning from a leg injury he sustained in October.

STAINES TOWN were held to a 1-1 draw by lowly Banstead on Saturday. It could have been worse as Banstead missed a late penalty.

David Everitt went off with a dislocated shoulder and Staines then fell behind in the 47th minute, the ball cannoning off the shins of Knight into the net.

It took Staines only five minutes to equalise through Craig Reilly.

January 31, 2003 15:00