NEIL Kirkpatrick admitted there was no substitute for experience after a brace from veteran striker Dave Mitchell restored Trowbridge to the top of the league on Saturday.

Mitchell has been unavailable for the majority of the season, but five goals in the last four games have shown he can still have a major influence in the Bees' title push.

Boss Kirkpatrick, said: "Dave is a very strong player and has a lot of experience which can prove important at this stage of the season.

"We are lucky because we have three strikers who are three completely different players, but all know where the goal is.

"Matt Cooper and Dave Percival have stolen a lot of the headlines so far this season, but when Dave is available he can provide us something extra."

Trowbridge made it hard work on Saturday and went behind on 14 minutes when Nawaz Mucadam scored from close range.

The hosts piled forward in search of the equaliser and on 39 minutes it came when Mitchell pounced on a loose ball to rifle the ball into the net.

After the break, Percival spurned three good chances and the influential Nunn went close. But with 10 minutes remaining, Nunn's shot was tipped into the post and Mitchell was on hand to head home the winner.

Trowbridge entertain Middle Barton tomorrow but will be without Mitchell, Cooper and Gordon Saunderson, who are all unavailable.

Kirkpatrick said: "We still haven't fielded the same side twice yet this season so it is no surprise we again have to change things round.

"It is great to be back at the top as it is where we want to be at the end of the season and we know our fate is on our own hands.

"In previous seasons we have had to fit in a silly amount of games into the last few weeks of the season but at least this time we are in a better situation."