LIKE its impressive castle, the village football team at St Briavels is rock solid. Visitors find victories difficult to achieve there and Howle Hill, as well as they played, became the latest victims on Saturday.

It was always going to be a tough ask as the St Briavels squad were well aware that success would almost certainly guarantee them promotion. And so it proved.

With two games still to play – including the much anticipated home game against second-placed Puma this Saturday – St Briavels look racing certs to play a division higher next season.

Assistant manager Mark Wines explained: "If two go up we are already there. I was standing in for manager Rob Meek on Saturday and I know he would agree with me that it has been a really good season.

"I could fault no-one for effort. Rob has developed a strong squad and there is a good atmosphere. I'm sure that this squad plus a couple of additions will be very competitive in the higher division."

Meek's men did not take long to impose themselves against Howle Hill. After only three minutes a cross from Jack Sweet was volleyed in by Dan Bowlzer. Close to half-time Ashley Edwards netted number two.

Wines was unconvinced two goals were sufficient and concerned Howle Hill, had they scored first, might find a way back. However good work by Andy Batcock settled his nerves as a fine through-pass found Ashley Edwards who scored number three.

Sub Adam Weston put the result beyond doubt with the fourth.

Wines praised the substitutes for the roles they played and said that he believed a strong squad was at he heart of the club's success.

"We are fortunate at St Briavels where we have a good pitch and excellent facilities plus a strong committee," he said.

And, he said, in captain Chris Forster the club had one of the best goalkeepers in the Forest.