Gorleston boss Stewart Larter is convinced there will be more twists and turns to come in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division title race.

An exciting battle for the championship has left five teams dreaming of reaching the summit as the Eastern Counties’ top-flight reaches its final week.

While Larter admits his Greens are now “waiting in the wings” – they sit fourth, four points off the top with a game in hand – he thinks it’s third-placed Brightlingsea Regent who are in the strongest position going into the run-in.

Larter said: “We thought our result on Monday (1-0 win at Kirkley & Pakefield in early kick-off) might have put the pressure on the other four but they dished the goods up.

“I’ve looked at the fixtures 100 times. Felixstowe (top) are at Norwich United, who are in really good form, on Saturday and host Godmanchester (fifth) on the last day of the season. I look at it as there’s a possibility they will drop points. I’d say on paper they’ve got the hardest run-in. If they win both games, and they have the points on the board already, you have to say credit to them.

“Brightlingsea are down in third but I’d say they’re probably in pole position if you look at their fixtures. So much could change. We are waiting in the wings and we have to be ready in case anyone slips up. A draw from anyone rules them out or lets somebody else in. It’s exciting to be a part of.”

Gorleston blew a two-goal lead to draw with one of their title rivals Brightingsea Regent on Saturday before seeing off K&P in an east coast derby.

Larter refuses to accept Saturday’s result was the moment his side’s title dream was ended and was full of praise for his troops’ Bank Holiday Monday response.

The Gorleston manager said: “When you look at points you’ve dropped, like Saturday, you tend to forget where else you’ve picked up points on the positive. We nicked it late at Norwich United and got a late point at Mildenhall.

“Saturday was disappointing but I tend to think these things even themselves out during the course of a season.

“On Monday, we kept going, after expending a lot of energy on Saturday, and ground out a win in a local derby. That’s great credit to the lads and the spirit in the group.”

Gorleston host Woodbridge tomorrow before playing their penultimate game at Stanway Rovers on Wednesday night. Carl Poppy (back) is a major doubt for both games, Peter Lambert (cricket) will miss the Saturday fixture but Josh Armes will return.

First Division Great Yarmouth Town finish their season at home tomorrow against Stowmarket (3pm).