CAMPION are riding high at the summit of the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Division One, but they face arguably their toughest test of the season tomorrow, a mouthwatering home clash against title rivals Hallam.

The Sheffield side currently sit fourth in the table, but they are only five points behind Campion, and have two games in hand over them too.

Campion's assistant manager, Andy Shepard, is relishing the challenge, saying: "We're going into this one full of confidence as we're undefeated in the league since August.

"We've got a bunch of committed lads here and we always try to play football in the right way."

Asked about that impressive unbeaten run, Shepard enthused: "What's even more remarkable is that we've had a lot of injuries during that time, especially to our strikers.

"We've had to shuffle things around and bring players in but everyone's been consistent.

"Some of the team have been with us for three years, since we made the move up from the West Riding County Amateur League, and several of them for two, so we have a tight-knit squad."

That close bond could help the club to achieve something truly special, and Shepard said: "In the 55 years or so since this club was formed, I think getting promotion from this league would be our greatest achievement.

"It's farcical to only have one automatic promotion place but we have to deal with that. For me, there's still about six teams capable of winning the league this year and every week we're looking out to see if the others have dropped points."

Shepard named Hallam in that bracket of title challengers and asked about their opponent's strengths, he said: "We've got a report on Hallam as (manager) James Bicknell is always thorough with his preparation.

"They're a strong side with lots of goals, especially from their striker Kieran Watson. He was the league's top scorer last year and he's second in all competitions this season (with 21 goals)."

Campion are no slouches in front of goal themselves. They have scored 51 times in 21 league games, with players chipping in from all positions.

Shepard enthused: "We're sharing the goals around. We're getting them from our defenders and midfielders, and the forwards who have come in are finding the net too."