TITLE chasing Broadwell will not be stepping up to the County League. In a candid announcement this week they recognise that, for the present at least, they do not have the off-field facilities to meet promotion requirements.

Broadwell secretary Les Lewis says that until changing rooms and referee facilities are improved his club will continue to ply their trade in the Senior League.

"If we win the league we will not be going anywhere. At the moment we do not have the facilities – it is as simple as that," says Lewis.

The County League standards are beyond us at the moment but we do have plans in hand. Twelve months from now we might be in a position to go up but for now we have to stay where we are."

Lewis explained that Mark Allen was made aware of the situation when he took over as manager and fully accepted the situation.

"We have a two year programme in place. The pitch is excellent and we have a good clubhouse but the changing facilities are not up to scratch," he said.

Lewis admits there may be some disappointment if Broadwell top the league.

"We will have to do it all over again next season, but that's the way it is," he said.

Three games in hand and four point clear of their nearest rivals, the famous old Forest club look the likely winners – though no-one is counting chickens.

"We have won some games when we have not played particularly well but that's said to be the sign of a good side," says Lewis who admitted Smiths might well claim they deserved at least a draw from Saturday's encounter.

"They arrived late because of problems on the road and could not have a proper warm-up. We delayed the kick-off for 10 minutes but they started slowly and we took advantage. A cross from Steve Belfitt was met with a diving header by Danny Latham who netted his fifth goal in five games since signing from Mushet and Coalway.

Smiths had at least an equal share of the second half but were caught on the break by Ross Scott for the all important second goal.