Stretford Paddock went on their travels on the weekend and flexed their title-challenging muscles, dispatching a very tricky Milton side 6-1 on the weekend. This was the eighth league game in the row Stretford Paddock have come out victorious, as they are becoming an unstoppable force at this level.

Chris Singleton was sensational on the day with big saves in big moments and his distribution was sensational, apart from one error leading to a goal later in the game, he was practically flawless, being the fire starter for so many attacks; but once again the attacking trio of Josh Smith, Kieron Molloy and Tom Jones. Josh furthered his attempts at becoming league top scorer with another brace, a feat matched by fellow wing partner Kieron before Tom Jones got himself on the score sheet later on as he combined with Josh later in the game to slide the ball home from six yards out.

There was still a sense of disappointment as another clean sheet opportunity went awry, something that could prove costly come the end of the season, in a title race that could possibly come down to goal difference when it’s all said and done. Without sounding perfectionist, little intricacies like these are exactly the ones that Paddock are looking to eliminate from their game, as the club has aspirations of ascending up the football pyramid. Little kinks in the armour that could punish them in future, and Howson being as meticulous as he is, there’s little doubt that no stone will be left unturned in the training weeks to come.

This victory however took them eight points clear at the top of the league on 28 points, eight points clear of De La Salle Reds who still have three games in hand. However, De La Salle dropped points on the weekend after a 1-1 draw against Rochdalians on the weekend. As a result this now means that the title is now very much in Stretford Paddock’s hands where even if De La Salle wins out with their games in hand and go one point clear at the top, they will still have Paddock to play before the season ends, so destiny is very much now in Paddock’s hands.