CIRENCESTER manager Brian Hughes has conceded defeat in the race for the Western Division title.

Back-to-back defeats in the past week ahead of the derby at Gloucester City tomorrow leaves the Centurions 13 points behind leaders Redditch.

"I genuinely never thought we'd catch Redditch," said Hughes.

"Everyone made a big thing of us being in second place but we always knew our limitations.

"We've got a very young team and they lack the experience that the other top sides have.

"Now I've somehow got to lift them for a tough game at Gloucester."

Hughes travels with his usual 16-man squad, though several of his players have been hit by a stomach bug and will play despite being less than 100 per cent fit.