Brightlingsea Regent boss, James Webster, wants his side to wrap up the Ryman North title before the final weekend of the season.

The R’s, having won 15 of their last 18 games, are a healthy nine points clear of second-placed Maldon & Tiptree, going into their final five fixtures.

This weekend they face a tough test at home to third-placed AFC Hornchurch, who are 11 points adrift of the league leaders.

The R’s are at home for three of their last five games, although they face a potentially difficult trip to play-off chasing Cheshunt on the final day of the season, in three weeks time.

“I don’t want it to go the final game,” admitted Webster.

“I don’t want us having to win at Cheshunt on the final day, because I think they are a very strong team. In fact, they are my favourites to take fifth spot, the final play-off place.

“But we’ve been on a great run, and we still have that good momentum.”

Webster has been full of praise for the club’s supporters, as well as his players, during the current run that has seen just one defeat suffered since a loss at Dereham on Boxing Day, a remarkable run.

“The fans have been superb,” insisted Webster.

“There were about 80 of them at Haringey Borough (3-2 away win) last weekend.

“They don’t just turn up and watch. They turn up and get involved. They get right behind us and are very vocal.”

Maldon & Tiptree enjoy home advantage, against basement dwellers Wroxham, so Kevin Horlock’s men should keep the pressure on their Essex rivals.

Elsewhere, Heybridge Swifts are on the road at Waltham Abbey. Jody Brown’s side are now eight points clear of the drop zone, following a precious 2-1 home win over struggling Ware last weekend.

It is the first of a run of four successive away games for the Swifts, before they return to Scraley Road for the visit of Phoenix Sports on the final day of the season.

Waltham Abbey are one place and two points behind the 18th-placed Swifts.

Mid-table Witham Town are also away from home, at relegation-threatened Ware in Hertfordshire. Ware currently occupy the third and final relegation slot. Witham have won three on the spin.