Long Melford manager Jules Mumford believes the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division could be thrown wide open next season, should Norwich United and Stanway Rovers win promotion at the end of the season.

Both teams have applied for promotion to the Ryman League and, provided they finish in their current positions (1st and 2nd), should be accepted into step four football.

Norwich won the title last season and have been runaway leaders this term, while Stanway are currently chasing the Norfolk side, having dropped just 16 points all season.

As for Long Melford, they are enjoying a fine first season at Premier Division level – the Villagers are fifth from top and looking to finish higher.

With that in mind, they could be one of the teams to watch come August.

“There is not a lot of difference between the teams in the division,” said Mumford.

“Felixstowe & Walton are probably a number nine away from being a very, very good team, then you have Stanway and Godmanchester who are doing well.

“I believe Norwich and Stanway have applied to be promoted this season and I would imagine that would throw the league wide open if that happened. I suppose some of the teams will be rubbing their hands at the prospect.

“Our target is to finish higher than fifth, we have been round that spot for some time and we need to push as hard as we can.

“But it’s a great achievement for the lads to be where they are. You hear stories about teams having different transfer budgets, so all credit to our players.”

Melford’s next game sees them host Brantham Athletic on Saturday, and a win could see them close the gap to three points on Godmanchester.

“Brantham beat us 4-1 at their place earlier in the season, so we know it is going to be tough,” added Mumford.

Leading the line for the Villagers will be 23-goal forward Jamie Griffiths, who has racked up 48 goals in 67 appearances since signing from Kettering two years ago.

“He scores a lot of goals and gets a lot of assists, but people don’t see how hard he works for the team defensively, covering at left-back, right-back,” said Mumford, about the ex-Ipswich Town man.