Tom Parke says the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division title is Histon’s to lose, despite seeing his Stowmarket Town side move to the top of the table, writes Alex Moss.

Stow climbed above Histon to the top of the Premier Division after thrashing Great Yarmouth Town 4-0 last weekend, and could move as many as four points clear at the summit with a victory at home against Gorleston tomorrow (3pm).

The Old Gold and Blacks, along with Kirkley & Pakefield, in third, and Thetford Town are the only three teams to have played six games in the Premier Division so far, more than anyone else, and Stow first-team coach Parke insists he does not see his side as the leaders.

“When you look at the reality, we’re not really top,” Parke said. “Histon have got games in hand and it’s theirs to lose.

“On current form they’re top, so I’m not looking at us as top. We’re playing catch up to them. It’s in their hands. If Histon win both their games in hand we’re five points behind.

“But I imagine we’re going to get stronger. I’m sure the management team and the players are not sitting on their laurels.

“They want to get better every week and half time at Yarmouth epitomised that.

“Rick (Andrews, Stow manager) has took this football club to a new level. The club has never been top of this league or had this many fans, so he needs all the credit.

“This league is a marathon, not a sprint, and the league is not won in September.”

Stow were backed by a large travelling contingent at the Wellesley last Saturday, most of whom were wearing waistcoats, with goals from Ollie Canfer (two), Ollie Brown and Phill Weavers securing a 4-0 win which took Andrews’ men to the top of the Premier Division table.

The Old Gold and Blacks hold a one-point lead over Histon, in second, although the Stutes do have two games in hand on Stow, which will increase to three after this weekend due to their continued involvement in the Emirates FA Cup tomorrow.