SO near, and yet so far. JT/Fox Oxford Cheetahs were within two minutes of landing the Sky Sports Elite League title at Ipswich on Tuesday night when disaster struck.

They had fought nip and tuck to go into heat 14 level pegging at 38-38 but first Steve Johnston's saddle worked loose as he approached the start and he exceeded the two-minute time limit.

Andrew Appleton came in to replace him, but then Ales Dryml took a tumble and the 5-1 for the Witches proved the turning point.

Now it's all going down to the wire with the most crucial meeting in years at Sandy Lane next Friday as Cheetahs face Coventry Bees in a title decider.

With main rivals Poole riding their finale at Peterborough on the same night, it should all be settled one way or another.

If Cheetahs triumph, they will hit the magical 58-point mark and the crown will be in the bag.

If they lose and Poole win, it would mean Cheetahs would have to win their match in hand - at Ipswich again on October 25.

If they blow their title chance, owner Steve Purchase has already accepted the responsibility.

Addressing the fans during the interval against Poole last Friday, he said: "We should have signed a replacement for Lukas Dryml soon after he was injured at King's Lynn.

"Had I been a more seasoned promoter, I would have done it right away, and if we do blow the title this year, you can point the finger at me."

Purchase added that Cheetahs were intending to sign Swedish Under 21 champion David Ruud, who ironically turned out as Poole's new signing on Friday.

"We were too slow and Poole stepped in first," he said.

Looking at the title run-in, Purchase added: "I expect Poole to win both their meetings at Peterborough, so it is down to us.

"If it comes to the final crunch against Coventry next week, that should be a fantastic night.

"It won't be easy, but we need a fully-fit side to take up the challenge."