The Calthorpe club only need three more points from their final three games to secure promotion

Crouch End's promotion party was put on hold by Eastcote last weekend in the Middlesex County Division Two.

Hiren Desai's title hopefuls knew they would secure a top-two finish with a win, but lost by four runs.

It means heading into this Saturday's contest at home to Highgate, they need three points to clinch promotion.

For a long time on Saturday it seemed Crouch End would get the result they desired to reach the top flight, but couldn't get up to Eastcote's total of 172-9.

Ryan Cunningham impressed on his return, taking 2-19 and Pratik Patel snapped up 2-35 to leave the visitors needing 173 to win and secure promotion.

Wicket-keeper opener Jalpesh Vijay signalled his intent with a rapid fifty, but he was stumped for 58 off 42 balls.

It left Crouch End on 83-4 and still in control, and yet Eastcote fought back admirably and were able to dismiss Chetan Depala (18) and Rishi Batra (16) quickly.

James Jenkins stuck around and scored 21 not out, but final over drama saw the visitors all out for 168.