A LAST minute strike from Matt Barnes earned Cinderford a fantastic 2-1 win at North Leigh on Tuesday night.

Lewis Sommers gave Town a ninth minute lead, but the hosts equalised on 77 minutes through McCabe.

Cinderford were put under huge pressure at times but their makeshift team - with Danny Haines in an unaccustomed central midfield role - battled bravely throughout.

Boss Steve Peters said: "The North Leigh manager told me how much we had improved since they last played us, in terms of our shape and will to win. The boys deserve massive credit."

Some longstanding Town followers reckon this is the club's best start to a season since 1964. It's certainly unusual to see the club fourth in the Southern League and talking about the play-offs.

Peters is not getting carried away.

He said: "I thought this week would be tough, but so will the next one.

"We've got Yate on Saturday, then Bideford, followed by Thatcham.

"Yate have improved, I saw them against Paulton Rovers and they were the better side."

Away from home, Cinderford have won five and drawn one this season.

Peters added: "Playing on the counter-attack suits us, we like to sit back and have teams come at us.

"Another big difference this year is that there are a hard core of loyal fans who are coming away to support us and it makes such a big difference to the players. We are grateful to these supporters and the players respond to them."