THE destination of the Division 1 title – and possible promotion to the Gwent County League – may be a little clearer after two clashes this weekend.

Although there is still some way to go, the matches between Severn Tunnel A and Underwood and Sudbrook CC against Mathern FC A have the potential to see one of those teams emerge as clear favourites.

Sudbrook hold pole position in the table but second-placed Mathern are no slouches and have enjoyed good wins in their first season in the top flight.

Meanwhile, Severn Tunnel will be keen to put one over on fourth-placed Underwood.

All four teams are ambitious, but while their first team is in the Gwent County League, Mathern A's only targets are cup competitions and the chance to have a huge say in which of their rivals will eventually win promotion.

Sudbrook have the best facilities already in place, Underwood are working hard to improve theirs and are in negotiations for a second pitch while Severn Tunnel have the backing of Rogiet Community Council and there are plans for a second and third pitch to be added in order to offer some relief to the single playing surface they have at present.

On the pitch, all four teams have good managers who know their players and try to play attractive football.

Sudbrook have a large squad that includes players like Richard Lund who have experience at a higher level of local football.

They also have the added advantage of a superior goal difference after scoring freely against some of their weaker opponents.

Their other advantage is that they chose not to enter the Gwent Amateur Cup and have been able to pile on the points while their rivals have played ultimately fruitless cup games and are now playing catch-up.

Underwood have built a better club infrastructure and a large squad and are working hard to achieve their dream of joining local clubs Thornwell Red & White and Caldicot Castle in Division 3 of the county league.

Tunnel's manager Steve Duddridge has played down his team's chances, especially after dropping five points in their two matches against Mathern but he knows he can still put pressure on his rivals.

On the face of it, they seem to have a mountain to climb, but if poor weather hits more fixtures, it's likely that important games will need to be played in midweek later in the season and some clubs struggle with player availability for such matches.