South Manchester close in on Accountants title

However, South keeper Conor Rabbett, who has been one of the stars of the season, made a fantastic save low down to his left. This proved to be a key save as moments later Lavin rifled in a shot with the outside of his boot to double South’s lead.

However, Lawds came back pretty quickly and South conceded from a set-piece as the Lawds striker headed in unopposed.

Back came South and Lavin put in Jack Lee who rifled in South’s third just before half time.

With a slight reshuffle in midfield, South manager Darryl Lee adopted a more cautious approach in the second half and South restricted the opposition to long-range efforts.

The game was made safe with 20 minutes remaining when Lavin danced round the opposition defence and rolled in South’s fourth goal.

Lawds pulled a goal back late on but the damage had been done.

South now lead the league by three points with a goal difference +16 better than Mace who they play on Sunday.

If they win then they are champions, whilst a draw would mean Mace need a 16-goal swing in their last game.

Reflecting on a massive win, manager Darryl Lee praised his weary troops. "The games are coming thick and fast and this win takes us very close to the title," he said.

"Mace beat us 5-1 a few weeks ago but we will be better prepared this time."

South take on Mace at the University Ground in Wythenshawe on Sunday. The match kicks off at 11am.