Next two games will be key to East Harling's Hadley & Ottaway Anglian Combination Division One title chances

East Harling manager Stacey Lawrence has said the outcome of the next two games will determine whether or not his side is in a title race.

A run of five straight wins has moved the Green Army up to fourth in the Hadley & Ottaway Anglian Combination Division One standings, just three points adrift of table-topping Yelverton.

They now have back-to-back encounters against sides in the lower half of the table, starting with the visit of Fakenham Town Reserves tomorrow (2pm).

That is followed a week later by a trip to Thetford Rovers and it is after those fixtures that Lawrence believes the picture will become clearer.

“If you look at the league table right now you would have to say we are in the race but I really feel the next two games are vital,” he said.

“After those we will have 10 games left to play and that is when we will know more. Both of those teams are lower than us but there are no easy games at this level. They are going to be very different games and it is down to us to deal with that.

“We are probably the form side in the division right now and if we can put another two wins on the board then we are certainly going to be looked at as contenders.”

There was a blow to Harling’s potential charge last week with the news that experienced striker Charlie Webb had returned to Diss Town.

Lawrence said of the forward, who scored five goals this term: “It is hard to take because he was a big part of our side.

“He might not have been as prolific this season but a huge character that had played at a higher level. I could see it coming with Diss looking to bring in local lads, but the timing is still a blow.”