It is said that in order to be the best, one must beat the best, and that is exactly what would be Premier Division champions Dandy Town aim to do as the league prepares to enter its final phase, with two matches remaining.

Despite coming away with but a scoreless draw against arch-rivals North Village on Sunday, coach Andrew Bascome remained confident that he possessed a team capable of going all the way, with chief challengers Devonshire Colts lined up in their sights.

However, it will be a while before either side gets the opportunity to fortify matters in their favour, with the league on hiatus until mid-March due to the strange scheduling brought on by the reduction of teams in the Premiership from 10 to eight.

"That's my next challenge as a coach, to try and overcome the hurdle with Colts, because I don't think we've beat them yet this season,'' said Bascome, whose men will have the added burden of traversing the barrier away from home.

"That's a good motivating factor for us, and being able to have back our left-footer (Devon) Binns, we can play a little smoother.'' Bascome was referring to the fact that Colts have been something of a nemesis to the Hornets, having booted them from both the Martonmere Cup and Dudley Eve Trophy, while drawing 2-2 in their lone league contest.

Nevertheless, the coach expressed confidence that the spacious grounds at White Hill Field -- the venue for the match -- will provide great opportunity for the visitors to display and unload their full arsenal and come away with a positive result.

Asked to make a prediction Bascome paused, his face breaking into a wide, impish grin: "I predict ... a good game.'' Still, Town and indeed Colts would want to be mindful of a North Village outfit that yet waits in the wings to, ready to pounce on any slip the leaders may make. Village, at 22 points, are one behind the pair of front-runners and are very much favoured to get past their last two opponents, the already relegated Southampton and, soon to be unseated champs, PHC.

"As far as advancing, I feel our chances are as good as the other teams,'' said Village coach Scott Morton. "In fact, I think our chances are a little easier being that Town have to play Colts, hopefully they come out with a draw and us a victory.'' Village first take on Rangers at Southampton Oval, before facing PHC at home.

Town host Rangers as their final fixture, while Colts tackle Wolves at The Den.