Paddy Davitt King's Lynn defender Dean West wants to savour that champagne feeling again as the Southern League, Premier Division championship race hots up. West is a promotion veteran after tasting success at former clubs Bury and Burnley in his distinguished career.

Paddy Davitt

King's Lynn defender Dean West wants to savour that champagne feeling again as the Southern League, Premier Division championship race hots up.

West is a promotion veteran after tasting success at former clubs Bury and Burnley in his distinguished career.

The 35-year-old insists the time has come for Keith Webb's side to strike a decisive blow over their title rivals ahead of tomorrow's home game against Brackley.

“We know if we win the last four we win the title,” he said. “It's in our own hands and we don't have to rely on anyone else. There's no better feeling than getting a promotion, and to go up as champions is something special on your CV. It doesn't matter what level of football. I remember getting two back-to-back with Bury and then when I went to Burnley we got one there as well.

“You always remember those feelings. They're the seasons that stick in your mind. It's not just for the players but everyone connected with the club. It's for the fans and the people behind the scenes who do all the travelling as well around the country.”

West has forced his way back into the starting line up after Webb had drafted in high quality defensive loan duo Rikki Bains and Gavin Hoyte.

“It's been frustrating,” he admitted. “Being on the sidelines for the last four or five weeks hasn't been nice but it was for the good of the team. You have to accept it and get on with it. There's no point sitting around and sulking. I've got back in for the last two games and we've kept two clean sheets. That's a good solid base to push on from now.”

West admits Lynn's squad strength could prove the decisive factor over the final weeks. Hoyte (hamstring) is poised to cut short his loan stint and return to Cambridge United. Top scorer Joe Francis (knee) has missed the last two matches while Mark Camm is set for a spell out after being knocked unconscious in last weekend's Team Bath stalemate.

“You could tell right away - he was spark out,” said West. “It's always a worrying time when you see something like that on a pitch but hopefully there's no lasting damage. He's a tough little fella, but he's a Yorkshireman - what do you expect? We've had some big players out, but others have come in and done a job. If you took two or three out of the other top sides they would struggle.

“We've got a quality squad of players here and its probably difficult for the manager to try and keep everyone happy. Really you've got 18 or 19 lads who could walk into most other teams in the league.”