by Alex Hoad

Mel Clewlow says Saturday’s trip to Surbiton will be ‘the biggest 70 minutes in the history of Canterbury Hockey Club."

The former England and GB defender (pictured) has spent 22 years playing at Polo Farm but has never gone into the final game of the season with a chance to finish top of the National Premier Division.

The city club lead Leicester by a single point and know victory at Surbiton would be enough to secure top spot and a place in Europe next season.

Clewlow said: "We want to look at it as another game and just three points but it’s understandable that some players are excited and some are nervous.

"We have to try not to put too much pressure on ourselves. I can’t honestly see anything other than a Leicester win at home to Slough and so we have just got to focus on winning our game.

"We have spent 17 games fighting to get into this position. I have played here for 22 years and it’s the first time I have been in the position to finish top. These opportunities do not come around often and you need to grab them when they do.

"Along with the European Cup final in 2006, this is probably the biggest game we’ve ever had.

"To win the league would probably be top of my list of achievements, certainly in terms of club hockey."

Defeat at Surbiton - who need to win to secure their top-four place - would leave Canterbury facing hosts Reading when the play-offs begin next month and Clewlow admitted: "If we were to miss out it would be hard to come back, particularly against Reading.

"We are not going to tempt fate and fill the bus up with champagne. If we do win, I’m sure there would be some celebrations on the pitch but you have to be respectful of your opponents and I’m sure we’d wait to get back to the club to do most of the celebrating."

Do you think Canterbury can seal top-spot and their place in Europe? Have your say below.