LITTLE Stoke can create a slice of club history when they entertain title rivals Burslem tomorrow.

The leaders need just 12 points from their final two matches to win the Premier Division for the first time since the league set-up was altered in 2001.

Little Stoke joined the North Staffs and South Cheshire League in 1979 and won the old Division One in 1998.

But skipper Gareth Morris, pictured right, remains cautious heading into their home clash with second-placed Burslem, who are 39 points in arrears.

"It's looking good and hopefully we won't throw it away now," said Morris.

"We have to think about Audley as well as Burslem, but we want to try to get the points we need this week so we don't have to worry going into the last game against Longton.

"We certainly can't take anything for granted because Burslem are a decent side, but everyone is pulling together and have done their bit.

"We've had a couple of bad injuries, but people have stepped in and performed well.

"We have a very young side and there are two 15-year-olds in Greg Massingham and Dan Richardson who have more than played their part in helping us to get where we are.

"There is a good team spirit and that has carried us through in some close games. We just don't give up."

The return from injury of Dan Colclough has boosted Little Stoke's title bid, and both he and Pakistani paceman Shabbir Ahmed have taken 44 league wickets each.

Opening batsman John Hancock has missed the run-in after suffering a shoulder injury playing for Staffordshire, but Richard Adams has picked up the mantle and leads the run-scoring charts with 557.

In contrast, three successive defeats – which earned just 14 points – have left Burslem requiring a late slip from tomorrow's opponents to keep their title hopes alive.

Opening bowler Samiullah Khan has enjoyed an excellent campaign in taking 73 wickets, while Alex Bailey has amassed 462 runs.

Captain Chris Lowndes is sweating over the fitness of left-arm spinner Michael Brown, who is recovering from a fractured finger.

"Our batting has let us down badly and only Alex has shown any consistent form. We have batted poorly in the last three games and that has cost us," said Lowndes.

"Up until then we were in with a good chance, but realistically Little Stoke are in a very strong position.

"We are probably out of it barring miracles, but we can only try. We are not going to give it to them. We will hopefully make them work hard.

"If we can win the game and take it in to the last day, then who knows what might happen?"