CHAIRMAN Stephen Vaughan may not have ordered the champagne yet, but Chester City are within sight of the finishing line in a race they have led for most of the season.

Having beaten on Tuesday arguably the best team they have played, City go into Saturday's match against Exeter City in prime form and oozing with confidence.

Hereford's home game against Barnet, which will end 45 minutes before City kick-off their televised match against Exeter (5.35pm), is key to the Blues' hopes of having the chance to celebrate next week.

If results go Mark Wright's way on Saturday, City could go to Shrewsbury on Tuesday needing just a point to clinch the Nationwide Conference title.

And the Conference confirmed this week they would take the trophy to the first game which could end with a celebration for Chester City.

It all sounds like tempting fate, but it is difficult to envisage Chester slipping up and Hereford being in a position to cash in.

Following the 4-2 victory over Aldershot, who are at home to Hereford on Monday, Wright said: 'We are firmly in the driving seat. Before we kick off on Saturday we will know what Hereford have done against Barnet.

'That could give the boys a lift knowing what they have to do. I think that what they are doing, the confidence in the side and their movement is first-class.

'We always thought they would be better this season and they have certainly proved it to me. We have a few games to go now and anything could happen, but beating Aldershot gives us some breathing space.

'To be six points clear is a great thing. But we have some big games to play. We respect everybody, but we don't fear anybody.

'Aldershot are a very good side and I think they are a good bet for the play-offs. I fancy them strongly. I hope we don't have to go in the play-offs because I wouldn't want to play them.

'There are some massive games to come and it is a great incentive for Barnet to win at Hereford on Saturday because all of a sudden they would be back in the play-offs.

'The important thing for us is not to get beaten. If Hereford lose on Saturday and we get a result it would make life even easier. If we play like we did against Aldershot we will give ourselves a great chance. All we want to do is achieve something for ourselves and our chairman.'

Wright confirmed they would be asking Tuesday's referee to have another look at the late skirmish which led to red cards for Kevin McIntyre and Aldershot's Dean Hooper.

'It was a disgrace,' said Wright. 'The referee was conned. Do I think McIntyre should have put his head anyway near their player? No, I don't. But there was nothing to it.

'Their boy should be embarrassed with the way he conducted himself. Their bench came over and apologised.' If the referee upholds his decision McIntyre will miss the final game of the season at Hereford, on April 24.

Chester fans will be admitted to both standing enclosures at Saturday's game against Exeter, whose supporters will be in the West Stand.

Tickets are still available for the game at Shrewsbury.

They can be purchased today or after the game against Exeter.

Tonight is the last chance to book coaches to Shrewsbury.

Coaches will leave the Deva Stadium, not Delamere Street. Phone Barrie Hipkiss between 6pm and 8pm on 01244 379011.