EWYAS Harold's 1-0 victory over leaders Sutton United has thrown the title race in the Hereford Times Herefordshire League Premier Division wide open once again.

Reigning champions Harold, who have a superior goal difference, were left needing to win their last two matches, both against Westfields on Tuesday and this evening (Thursday) to snatch the title from their rivals' grasp.

Although this was Sutton's first defeat in the league this season, it was the fourth time they have gone down to their rivals after being defeated three times previously in cup competitions.

After a competitive first few minutes, Harold grabbed what turned out to be the decisive goal early on when Kevin Michael got up well to steer a header from Robbie Gore's free-kick into the net.

When Sutton tried to hit back, they had a goal disallowed for offside and Stuart New shot wide from Leon Cooke's pass but Harold might have extended their lead when Kane Kahaki headed a Rob Chandler cross over from a good position.

After the break,New twice carved out goalscoring chances only for Joe Taylor to deny him with saving tackles.

But Harold came close to putting the game well beyond doubt when Sutton goalkeeper Scott Garrett had to pull off a good stop from Chandler, whose pace and direct style were a constant source of problems for the visiting defence.

In the day's only other Premier Division clash, Lads Club reinforced their mid-table position when they claimed a 3-3 draw with Fownhope.

The villagers took the lead after just 10 minutes when a cross from the impressive Sean Morris was slammed into the roof of the net by Gwynne Evans.

Lads Club hit back to equalise when Jason Fry and John Buchanan set up Dan Crowe for a smart finish but good work by Richie Roberts and Roy Oval allowed Matt Goodall to restore Fownhope's lead at the interval.

Seven minutes after half-time, a superb 25-yard strike by Steve Winmill put Fownhope further ahead and the villagers might have earned a penalty when Sean Thomson appeared to be brought down in the area.

Lads Club then reduced the deficit when Buchanan fired home from a narrow angle and substitute Jake Hoddell levelled the scores 10 minutes from the end.

And in the closing stages, only an acrobatic goalline clearance by Ricky Hadji prevented Hoddell from snatching the winner.