CRAIG Adey is urging Ardley United to keep the hammer down as they close in on the Division 1 West title.

The north Oxfordshire side sit ten points clear with seven games to go in their bid for an immediate return to the Premier Division of the Uhlsport Hellenic League.

But boss Adey is keen to warn his side, whose home match against Cirencester Town Dev was frozen off on Saturday, against complacency during the last four weeks.

During that time, Ardley face seven games in 23 days, including five successive away fixtures.

“We take it a game at a time – that old cliche,” said Adey.

“It’s about just getting the points on the board and it’s not a foregone conclusion, that’s for sure.

“We’ve got Easington Sports to play, who are a team that can catch us, two teams that have beaten us in Headington Amateurs and Clanfield 85. It’s not done and dusted in my mind.

“I certainly won’t allow complacency to happen.

“Even if we do win it (the title) early, and I don’t think we will, we’ll still be trying to get all the points we can.”

Ardley travel to sixth-placed Clanfield this weekend.

And Adey knows his players will have to be at their best against one of only three teams to have defeated his side this season.

He said: “They beat us at our place before Christmas and deservedly so, they were by far the better team.

“It was probably the toughest game we’ve had this season and we know it’s going to be the same.

“We’ll obviously be trying to get a bit of revenge, but it will be very difficult – they’re a good side, with good young players.”

Adey took charge of Ardley last summer following their voluntary relegation from the Premier Division.

He was able to encourage Troy Bryan back to the club and the manager is full of praise for the striker.

Adey said: “He’s been brilliant in the changing room and has got that bit of experience.

“We just didn’t have that target player that he is and when he is playing, we’re a much better side. It’s great to have him.”

Bicester Town’s match at Thame Rangers also failed to beat last weekend’s wintry weather.

The Division 1 East high-flyers host Sandhurst Town on Saturday.