Harpenden Town all but confirmed their promotion to the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Codicote.

They go into their final game of the season, at home to Brimsdown tomorrow (Saturday), knowing that the only way they will miss out on finishing in the top two is if they lose by seven clear goals.

Town should have lifted any pressure they were feeling with a good performance against their near-neighbours Codicote.

They started strongly when a David Keenleyside free-kick was headed just wide by Jack Cartwright.

The former St Albans man was at the heart of most things for Town and he put them in front.

Striker Harry Hunt fought for the ball on the right and beat two players.

His first cross was blocked but the ball fell back at his feet and at the second attempt he blasted the ball towards goal where Keenleyside tapped in for 1-0.

But right on half time Codicote equalised when Leeroy Williams lobbed Harpenden’s Connor Sansom for 1-1.

Harps pressurised Codicote throughout the second half and after 20 minutes they got their noses back in front.

Keenleyside picked up the ball on the edge of the box, moved inside and blasted the ball into the corner of the net for his second.

And they hung on for the remainder of the game to clinch the win.

Manager Danny Plumb said: “We played nervously but you could not fault the player’s effort and I am pleased with the result

“Now we have forced Biggleswade to fight to the final week of the season for the title.

“David Keenleyside had a wonderful match and was outstanding with his technical skill and effort.”

The manager has also urged fans to fill the ground at Rothamsted Park on Saturday for the finale of a wonderful season.

Harpenden Town chairman Roman Motyczak said: “I hope loads of supporters will turn out for our special finale to the season.

“Our final game against Brimsdown at home in Rothamsted Park will be a ‘pay what you want’ charity game. The charity this year will be for Crohns and Colitis UK.

“The match is in memory of Alex Demain, who all our players knew and attended Roundwood School. He worked for the charity and suffered from this disease but passed away last year.”