Phoenix's home win - which came courtesy of a ninth minute Nathan Goncalves strike - extended their unbeaten run to four, allowing them to draw level with the Eagles on 38 competition points.

 

Their superior goal difference, however, has now given them the upper hand in the race to finish top of the pile with just two games left in the season proper.

 

South Cardiff were the big losers of round 19 after their scoreless draw at home to second from bottom Weston Workers Bears FC saw them drop out of the top four.

 

The result leaves the Gunners with it all to do if they're to return to the finals places before seasons end, but they can at least be buoyed by the fact Broadmeadow Magic, whom they face in the final round of the season, also slipped up at home to last placed Toronto Awaba.

 

The 1-1 draw was not the result Magic coach Peter McGuinness would have desired, with his team now only retaining their finals status due to goal difference.

 

Blake Glennie gave Toronto the lead before a late Brad Waters penalty rescued a point for the home team.

 

Meanwhile, Hamilton Olympic won 1-0 away to West Wallsend to move to third place on the competition ladder.

 

Chris Berlin scored the lone goal for the Darling Street based club who can book their finals berth with a win at home to South Cardiff this weekend.

 

Valentine Phoenix          38

Edgeworth Eagles          38

Hamilton Olympic          30

Broadmeadow Magic      29

South Cardiff                 29

West Wallsend               24

Weston Workers Bears    16

Toronto Awaba              6