THE two leading sides in football’s Coca-Cola Combination meet today knowing that maximum points from this encounter should take them closer to the Division I title.

With both sides equal on points, St Paul’s at the top thanks to a healthy goal difference, this game is an important one as it is one of only four remaining league fixtures for the two teams.

‘It is a massive game,’ said St Paul’s manager, Craig Culkin. ‘I don’t think we can write off St Peter yet and I’m sure whoever wins this one won’t be too far off the title.

‘It would be difficult to come back if you don’t win but that’s not how we’re going into the game thinking – we want to make sure we approach the game in the right way.

‘It is just another game for us, we’re not getting carried away. We’ve been doing well and taking each game as it comes and I think the players realise we are in for a very tough competitive game.’

Culkin is without Jonny Fitzmaurice, Craig Russell, and Jamie Cullen to injury, while Liam Walshe is away on holiday. But this isn’t going to faze his team who have impressed him this season with their efficiency.

‘We’ve been scoring a lot of goals and have conceded very few with goalkeeper, Andrew Bird, only conceding one goal in open play this year – not many teams can boast that record.

‘Those players who are out we have been without a couple of times, either through suspensions or holidays, and it’s not affected us so far – I’m confident in the players we have got to get a result.’

Not giving too much away, Trinity manager, Joe Morley, said: ‘It’s just another game in the 16 that we have to play. We’re struggling a little bit with a few injuries so the team will be decided in the morning although Barry Beatson is definitely out through suspension.

‘At the end of the day the best team will win the league. Both of us have played good football throughout and this will be another tight game.’

One concern for both teams will be the St Paul’s pitch as the last few day’s rain has left it slightly waterlogged. A pitch inspection is due at 9.30 am.