A LATE winner from Matt Deakin kept alive Boca Seniors' hopes of winning the North Devon Journal Premier Division for a fifth year running.

Deakin struck in the last eight minutes to give the champions a 2-1 win over Barnstaple AAC at the Tarka Centre last night.

Three hard-earned points against their cross-town rivals means Darren Todd's team can still take the title if they win their last three games and other results go their way.

But Shamwickshire Rovers will be crowned champions if they beat North Molton at Pollyfield on Saturday.

A fascinating four-horse race has developed over the last few weeks with North Molton and, despite last night's setback, Barnstaple AAC, still not to be counted out.

After the bitter blow of Saturday's defeat at Bradworthy, nothing but a win was good enough for Boca against the Ammies.

And Royston Shaddick's visitors knew the championship was in their hands if they could win against their local rivals.

Understandably it was tight and tense at the Tarka with few chances for either side in the first half.

But Boca snatched a lead soon after the interval.

Goalkeeper Jimmy Thorne parried a shot and defender Gary King, under pressure from the home attack, could only bundle his attempted clearance into his own net.

The breakthrough meant the game opened up and there were opportunities at both ends.

Visiting defender Rob Paton went forward for a Maurice Charley free kick only to see his header crash back off the post.

Thorne did well to tip over a header from James Davey and a snap-shot from Jordan Charran before his team grabbed the equaliser 12 minutes from time.

Scott Sharp, so often the dangerman for the Ammies this season, pounced from close range to beat Darren Babb.

A draw wasn't much use to either side though, and they both committed men forward with Sharp heading off target before Deakin's vital winner.

The experienced forward found rare space in the area and never looked like missing as he tucked a shot past Thorne to prove Boca will not let go of their title without a fight.

Such an unpredictable end to the season has created plenty of interest and last night's game was watched by a crowd of more than 200, including most of the Shamwickshire squad.

Shammy had been expecting to play their penultimate game against Morwenstow, and were already at Pollyfield when they received a call to say the Cornishmen were unable to raise a team.

Gary Ford's side have been awarded the points and head into Saturday's fixture knowing a win will bring the crown back to East-the-Water for the first time since 2003.

Should North Molton win, they, along with Boca and Barnstaple AAC will still have hopes of claiming the silverware.

The Ammies must quickly raise themselves for tonight's Torridge Cup final against Braunton at Vicarage Field (7.30pm).

At the weekend they face Hartland and Putford in the league while Boca host Combe Martin on Saturday.

Elsewhere in the Journal League last night, Wrey Arms won the big Intermediate Two meeting with Woolacombe and Mortehoe 2-1.