Aldershot Town are one tantalising point away from Conference football next season.

Saturday's 5-1 rout of third-placed St Albans City means a draw at Sutton United today will be enough to clinch them the Ryman Premier Division title.

Things didn't quite go to plan at St Albans when former Basingstoke midfielder Dominic Naylor plunged them into arrears with a superb 25-yard free kick.

But Aaron McLean sandwiched a hat-trick between goals from Lee Holsgrove and Lee Charles to secure a comfortable win for Terry Brown's table-toppers.

Basingstoke remain sixth in the table despite losing 2-1 to Hendon at a wind-swept Claremont Road.

Eugene Ofori's overhead kick plunged them into first-half arrears and then both sides hit the bar before Southampton-based hot-shot Craig McAllister levelled matters with his 32nd goal of the season from Neville Roach's assist.

Ricci Crace restored Hendon's lead with 13 minutes remaining, but it needed two superb late saves from home keeper Gary McCann to keep out McAllister and Nathan Stamp.

Stoke today (3pm) entertain a Maidenhead United side, who crushed fifth-placed Sutton 4-1 on Saturday.