RYMAN NORTH WEEKEND PREVIEW

TRAWLERBOYS VISIT SCRALEY ROAD

After facing two home games against bottom of the table Harlow Town and eighteenth placed Romford the seemingly unstoppable Juggernaut of Lowestoft Town travel to Scraley Road to face eighth placed Heybridge Swifts. Lowie have won their last five games in a row with forward Jo Francis as previously reported looking like the signing of the season for the Suffolk Champions elect. However, The Swifts have hauled themselves up into contention for a play-off place with five wins in row prior to last Saturday's 2-1 reverse at 2nd placed Thamesmead Town. Wayne Bond's side have won their last four league home games scoring 9 and letting in only 2 goals so they are likely to give the table toppers a good game but few people would bet against Lowestoft gaining another win. For the loyal travelling trawlerboy fans this is somewhat of a "local derby" match as it's only a 80 mile trip to negotiate. The return match was played at Crown Meadow on the 29th September when Heybridge Swifts went down 2-0.

THE DOCKERS TRAVEL SOUTH IN THAMES DERBY

A Thames Estuary Derby takes place at Bayliss Avenue where Tilbury face the short trip from North to South across the river to play 2nd place Thamesmead Town. Tilbury are the Jekyll and Hyde side of the division with an excellent 75% of the their home games won but only one solitary win on the road which was 0-1 at Ware on the 31st October. Some people predicted The Mead would fall away from the top of the table but their 2-1 win last week has kept them in 2nd place for now with East Thurrock United and Concord Rangers ready to take over should they win their games in hand. The front pairing of Cable and Constable (grand total of 24 goals in 44 league games) should have too much for Tilbury who need a win to keep in touch with an outside shout of the play-offs. The Docker's did give a good account of themselves at W&F last Saturday only losing to a last minute goal making the score 3-2.

TOWN TRAVEL TO WODSON PARK

Town make the short trip up the A10 to Hertfordshire to face the new look Ware. Since taking over in November Tony Faulkner has only lost games to Potters Bar Town, Heybridge Swifts and Concord Rangers, who won 0-3 at Wodson Park on Tuesday night. Top scorer Ryan Wade (6 goals in 9 league games) was red-carded after only 15 minutes and Faulkner was also sent to the stands in what appeared to be an ill-tempered match. The cold end is not sure if Wade will be suspended for Saturday's match at present. Despite their up turn in form Ware still find themselves down in 17th position only 4 points from the drop zone so must pick up points on a regular basis to stay away from the dreaded trap door. Town need the 3 points for another reason, to stay in the play-off zone. It's sure to be another good closely fought local derby game. bwin.com make Town favourites at 7/10 with a home win at 29/10 and the draw being 5/2.

THE BEST OF THE REST

Another local derby takes place at The South Mimms Travel Stadium where Potters Bar Town take on Cheshunt who despite being put under long spells of pressure by Brentwood last Saturday held out for an impressive 0-1 win to keep them just above the relegation zone. Chris Meikle got the all important goal and has now scored in The Ambers last two games. Adam Lee's side still haven't won at home since the 19th September but that stat can be taken with a pinch of salt as the last time The Scholar's played in front of their supporters was when Town smashed them 1-4 on the 5th December. They won the return game at Theobalds Lane 1-2 on the 13th October. The Amber's looked to have rode their luck a bit last week so I think Saturday will be the day for The Scholar's to get their long awaited home win.

Concord Rangers who got back to winning ways in midweek should win at Romford who were beaten 5-0 at Thames Road earlier in the season and despite going 0-1 up at Lowestoft went down 6-1 last weekend.

The Motormen of Redbridge travel to face Northwood who should run out comfortable winners against a side with only 1 away win all season (all the way back on the 18th August at Potters Bar Town).

It's another local derby in East London where Leyton face Waltham Forest. The Stags will fancy their chances for all 3 points as in their last away league game they got a credible 1-2 win at VCD Athletic. Leyton are still without a win at Lea Bridge Road all season and went down 4-1 at East Thurrock on Tuesday.

In the other games Ilford face W&F at Cricklefields, East Thurrock are at home again this time to VCD Athletic who have hit a blip of late with no wins in four following their excellent run of form in November and December. Great Wakering Rovers who have positive results in their last two games entertain Brentwood Town at Burroughs Park and Harlow Town who face Maldon Town at the B-Farm. The Hawks travelling army received good comments from Lowestoft supporters for making loads of noise and the large numbers they took in midweek to Suffolk. The long suffering fans may get something to cheer about on Saturday against the visiting blues.