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And despite fears to the contrary in parts of the Moat Ground camp, I believe Gresley can still snatch that long coveted championship.

The successful return of Tracey Norton to first team action for the 3-1 win at Hinckley Athletic on Saturday was just one positive pointer in the direction of the Beazer Homes Midland Division.

Norton was a key campaigner when Rovers hit peak form to race to the top of the table.

Against all odds, Gresley are still top of the table today, Rushall Olympic and Paget Rangers both having missed chances earlier in the term to displace the pride of South Derbyshire.

Now Blakenall have emerged as the chief contender for top spot.

But I believe the odds are tipping Gresley’s way at this crucial stage. With Norton back in action Gresley’s squad is almost full strength. And the return of Ian Wells from suspension will mean that Gresley enter the decisive phase of their campaign with arguably the strongest squad in their history.

True, there are a couple of question marks in the immediate offing. Much depends on the speedy return of fitness of Saturday’s crocks Paul Acklam (heel) and Martin Haskins (hamstring).

But as Norton himself put it on Saturday: “We’ve got a good run-in and even Blakenall can’t keep up the pressure all the way to the end of the season.”

Rovers are now entering a phase of the season that can build their dreams into reality – or leave them awash on the rocks of failed ambition.

If they can resist the challenge of Rocester in tomorrow’s local derby at the Moat Ground – and that’s no small matter – they face a relatively easy trip to Tipton on April 8th followed by home game with title rivals Blakenall and Lye Town in the space of three days the following week.

The Blakenall game will be the make-or-breaker. The gap, on paper, between Gresley and their West Midlands rivals is eight points – provided neither side drops points in any other game.

Victory for Gresley on April 13th will significantly reduce that gap and the pressure will be on Blakenall.