Sutton United manager Paul Doswell says the Easter weekend will be crucial in deciding the outcome of this season's Vanarama National League title race.

The U's face tough assignments against Maidenhead and Bromley over the next few days buoyed by last Saturday's 3-2 victory over Chester.

That result put United back in pole position before Macclesfield Town returned to the top on Tuesday night when a last minute goal earned them a 1-0 victory over Gateshead.

With just seven games remaining, the Sutton boss knows there will be more twists or turns to come.

"It's a massive weekend in the context of the title," he said.

"If we win two then we’re in with a shout, lose two and then we've got to be aiming for second or third as that will give us a massive advantage going into the play-offs.

"Our goal is to win five of our last seven games and get another 15 or 16 points to be in with a chance of the title.

"That’ll put us on 87 or 88 points and if anyone finishes on 89 then I’ll take my hat off to them.

"Macclesfield keep scoring late goals. I think that's three or four they've scored in the last few weeks.

"But there is no pressure on us as we weren't expecting to be in this position at this stage of the season.

"This is the right league for us. If we don’t go up then we get to keep our community model. If we do go up, then great, we’re a Football League club. It’s a win-win situation."

Sutton face a tough test of their title credentials on Good Friday when they visit mid-table Maidenhead United.

The U's have struggled at York Road in recent seasons leading to some supporters labelling the Magpies a bogey side.

Doswell is quick to compliment Alan Devonshire's team who have acquitted themselves well in their first season at National League level and beat the U's 2-0 at the Knights Community Stadium back in September.

"Maidenhead is not a given," said Doswell. "They’re a very good team and they’ve had some great results against the top teams.

"They beat us at our place by out Suttoning Sutton, if you like. Bogey side has nothing to do with it."

The U's host FA Trophy finallists Bromley on Monday with the match being screened live on BT Sport.

The Ravens have deserved their place in the showpiece final at Wembley against Brackley Town - Sutton's conquerors in the third round - having battled through lengthy away ties at Blyth, Workington, Spennymoor (twice) and Gateshead.

With their focus turning to the trophy in recent weeks, Bromley's league form has seen them drop to 10th but, with games in hand, they still harbour outside hopes of making the play-offs.

"I am pleased for Neil Smith and his team," said Doswell. "They are a similar club to Sutton with the same community model.

"They're pushing for that final play-off spot with Ebbsfleet and Fylde, and I still wouldn't rule them out.

"It will all become a lot clearer on Monday afternoon.

"We've got some tough games coming up but I fancy us against anyone."

Maidenhead v Sutton United, Friday, March 30, 3pm.

Sutton United v Bromley, Monday, April 2, 3pm.