There were lots of play-offs and finals played on Tuesday evening but there was also this game as Stotfold welcomed London Tigers to Roker Park. It was 16th v 17th so there was nothing at stake really. A win for Stotfold would of seen them move up to 14th place but in the end it was an easy 0-4 victory for the away side in the end which saw the Tigers move up to 14th.
The home side's best chance to score came in the second half when an 'IF YOU WERE THE REFEREE WHAT WOULD YOU DO?' scenario occurred. With the Stotfold forward through on goal it appeared one of the Tiger's player's shouted in an attempt to distract him from scoring - Was this Unsporting Behaviour and should an indirect free kick been given? The incident is from 1m 37secs on the video.
This was the only really debatable or controversial moment in the game which was officiated excellently by Mr Phillip Evans and his Assistant's Tom Harkins and Jack Scott.
Roker Park is well worth a visit just for the tea and coffee the brilliant tea bar serves in proper mugs.
Wednesday, 30 April 2014
Monday, 28 April 2014
THE LOTTERY OF THE PLAY-OFFS - WHO IS PLAYING WHO?
The season proper for the non-league divisions from Step 1 down to Step 4 has ended and now the excitement of the play-offs are all scheduled. Large crowds will be expected at all the games and ultimately one club from each of the four will be celebrating promotion with others looking to re-group for next season.
Skrill Premier Division
The games in non-league's top division are two legged affairs. Runner's Up Cambridge United travel to fifth placed FC Halifax Town on Wednesday evening with fourth placed Gateshead going to third placed Grimbsy Town on Thursday evening. The return games take place on what could be called SKRILL SUPER SUNDAY when Cambridge United v FC Halifax Town kicks off at 1.30pm and Gateshead v Grimsby Town at 4.30pm. The play-offs are always a lottery but maybe current form could give an indication as to what teams will qualify for the big final.
CURRENT FORM
Skrill South Division
The games are over two legs in the South and North Divisions too. Thursday night see's Dover Athletic (5th) welcome Sutton United (2nd) and Bromley (3rd) go to Ebbsfleet United (4th). The return games are played less than 48 hours later on Saturday at 3pm. Sutton United (1999/00), Dover Athletic (2001/02), Ebbsfleet United (2012/13...looking to bounce straight back up) have all been in the Conference Premier before with Bromley looking to play in the division for the first time in their history.
Skrill North Division
Wednesday night see's Guiseley (5th) welcome North Ferriby United (2nd) and Altrincham (3rd) go to Hednesford Town (4th). The return games are again played on Saturday afternoon. For North Ferriby United it could be two promotions in as many seasons as they won the Northern Premier League in 2012/13. Guiseley have been knocking on the Conference Premier's door for the last three seasons. Since promotion in 2011 they have finished 5th, 2nd and 2nd missing out in the play-offs each season against AFC Telford United, Nuneaton Town and FC Halifax Town. Could it be fourth time lucky for them this season? Altrincham and Hednesford Town are both bidding for a return to non-league's top table. Altrincham were relegated in 2011 and missed out in the play-off semi-finals against Brackley Town last season. Town were last in the Conference in 2001 and like North Ferriby United are going for two successive promotions after promotion via the Northern Premier League Premier Division play-offs last campaign.
Evo-Stik League Premier Division
A massive crowd is expected at Gigg Lane on Tuesday evening when FC United of Manchester entertain Ashton United. FCUM narrowly missed out on the title being pipped by Chorley by just one point. The two clubs played on Bank Holiday Monday in a league fixture which attracted 3,056 people which wasn't their top crowd. That came against title rival's Chorley when 4,152 saw a 2-2 draw on Tuesday 8th April. Landlord's Bury FC have only bettered this total three times in League Two fixtures against Chesterfield (4,337), Rochdale (6,295) and Portsmouth (4,759). FCUM have been climbing the pyramid since their formation in 2005 and have reached the play-off final for the last three seasons losing to Colwyn Bay, Bradford Park Avenue and Hednesford Town.
The other semi-final see's AFC Fylde (3rd place) entertain Worksop Town (4th). Like FCUM Fylde have risen through the pyramid at a rate of knots In 2007/08 they were in the North West Counties League Division Two as "Kirkham and Wesham" and that season won the FA Vase. A name change in 2008 saw another promotion, then three season in Division One (North) followed by a fifth placed finish in 2012/13 where they lost out to Hednesford in the semi-final.
Evo-Stik League Division One (North)
Warrington Town (3rd) entertain Bamber Bridge (4th) and Darlington 1883 (2nd) welcome Ramsbottom United (5th). 1883 'reformed' after Darlington left the Conference Premier in 2012 following well reported financial problems. They were Northern League Champions last season and are another side looking at successive promotions. This is another game that will attract a decent crowd. It is to be played Bishop Auckland's Heritage Park where Darlington currently ground-share.
Evo-Stik League Divsion One (South)
The fixtures are Coalville Town (2nd) v Mickleover Sports (5th) on Tuesday evening and Leek Town v Belper Town on Wednesday. Leek spent two seasons in the Conference from 1997 to 1999 and are looking to get their first promotion since relegation in 1999 and 2008.
Ryman Premier Division
Wednesday night are when the the big games are being played as Lowestoft Town (4th) make the long journey to Bognor Regis Town (3rd) and Kingstonian (2nd) host AFC Hornchurch (5th). Of the four teams only The Trawlerboys have never played at Step Two of the non-league ladder.
Ryman Division One (North)
Witham Town (2nd) narrowly missed out on the title to VCD Athletic. A win at Cheshunt on Saturday would of won it for them but they only drew 1-1. They finished on 98 points from 46 games which would of been enough for the title in four of the last six Ryman Division One (North) seasons. They face Needham Market (5th) with Harlow Town (4th) travelling to Heybridge Swifts (3rd). The games take place on Tuesday evening.
Ryman Division One (South)
Tuesday night football again as Folkestone Invicta (2nd) welcome Hastings United (5th) and Leatherhead (3rd) welcome Guernsey (4th). Could The Green Lions formed in 2011 make it a hat-trick of promotions?
Calor League Premier Division
Tuesday night see's Chesham United (2nd) welcome Stourbridge (5th) and then Wednesday night see's Cambridge City (3rd) welcome St Albans City (4th). The Cold End can see both of these games topping 1,000 attendances.
Calor League Division One Central
The Central Division was one of the closest in the pyramid. Just four points separated the top four teams. Both games take place on Tuesday night where Kettering Town (3rd) host Daventry Town (4th) and Rugby Town (2nd) welcome Slough Town. Kettering Town played Daventry on Monday 21st April in a league fixture which attracted 1,228. The Poppies won this one 2-0 and I can see the crowd topping 1,500 tomorrow night.
Calor League Division One South and West
Merthyr Town (2nd) played Swindon Supermarine (5th) and Tiverton Town (3rd) play Paulton Rovers (4th). Both games are to be played tomorrow night.
Skrill Premier Division
The games in non-league's top division are two legged affairs. Runner's Up Cambridge United travel to fifth placed FC Halifax Town on Wednesday evening with fourth placed Gateshead going to third placed Grimbsy Town on Thursday evening. The return games take place on what could be called SKRILL SUPER SUNDAY when Cambridge United v FC Halifax Town kicks off at 1.30pm and Gateshead v Grimsby Town at 4.30pm. The play-offs are always a lottery but maybe current form could give an indication as to what teams will qualify for the big final.
CURRENT FORM
| TEAM | FORM | GF | GA |
| CAMBRIDGE UNITED | WWLLLL | 10 | 8 |
| GATESHEAD | WWDDWW | 12 | 2 |
| GRIMSBY TOWN | LWLDWD | 6 | 6 |
| FC HALIFAX TOWN | WWWWLD | 10 | 4 |
Skrill South Division
The games are over two legs in the South and North Divisions too. Thursday night see's Dover Athletic (5th) welcome Sutton United (2nd) and Bromley (3rd) go to Ebbsfleet United (4th). The return games are played less than 48 hours later on Saturday at 3pm. Sutton United (1999/00), Dover Athletic (2001/02), Ebbsfleet United (2012/13...looking to bounce straight back up) have all been in the Conference Premier before with Bromley looking to play in the division for the first time in their history.
Skrill North Division
Wednesday night see's Guiseley (5th) welcome North Ferriby United (2nd) and Altrincham (3rd) go to Hednesford Town (4th). The return games are again played on Saturday afternoon. For North Ferriby United it could be two promotions in as many seasons as they won the Northern Premier League in 2012/13. Guiseley have been knocking on the Conference Premier's door for the last three seasons. Since promotion in 2011 they have finished 5th, 2nd and 2nd missing out in the play-offs each season against AFC Telford United, Nuneaton Town and FC Halifax Town. Could it be fourth time lucky for them this season? Altrincham and Hednesford Town are both bidding for a return to non-league's top table. Altrincham were relegated in 2011 and missed out in the play-off semi-finals against Brackley Town last season. Town were last in the Conference in 2001 and like North Ferriby United are going for two successive promotions after promotion via the Northern Premier League Premier Division play-offs last campaign.
Evo-Stik League Premier Division
A massive crowd is expected at Gigg Lane on Tuesday evening when FC United of Manchester entertain Ashton United. FCUM narrowly missed out on the title being pipped by Chorley by just one point. The two clubs played on Bank Holiday Monday in a league fixture which attracted 3,056 people which wasn't their top crowd. That came against title rival's Chorley when 4,152 saw a 2-2 draw on Tuesday 8th April. Landlord's Bury FC have only bettered this total three times in League Two fixtures against Chesterfield (4,337), Rochdale (6,295) and Portsmouth (4,759). FCUM have been climbing the pyramid since their formation in 2005 and have reached the play-off final for the last three seasons losing to Colwyn Bay, Bradford Park Avenue and Hednesford Town.
The other semi-final see's AFC Fylde (3rd place) entertain Worksop Town (4th). Like FCUM Fylde have risen through the pyramid at a rate of knots In 2007/08 they were in the North West Counties League Division Two as "Kirkham and Wesham" and that season won the FA Vase. A name change in 2008 saw another promotion, then three season in Division One (North) followed by a fifth placed finish in 2012/13 where they lost out to Hednesford in the semi-final.
Evo-Stik League Division One (North)
Warrington Town (3rd) entertain Bamber Bridge (4th) and Darlington 1883 (2nd) welcome Ramsbottom United (5th). 1883 'reformed' after Darlington left the Conference Premier in 2012 following well reported financial problems. They were Northern League Champions last season and are another side looking at successive promotions. This is another game that will attract a decent crowd. It is to be played Bishop Auckland's Heritage Park where Darlington currently ground-share.
Evo-Stik League Divsion One (South)
The fixtures are Coalville Town (2nd) v Mickleover Sports (5th) on Tuesday evening and Leek Town v Belper Town on Wednesday. Leek spent two seasons in the Conference from 1997 to 1999 and are looking to get their first promotion since relegation in 1999 and 2008.
Ryman Premier Division
Wednesday night are when the the big games are being played as Lowestoft Town (4th) make the long journey to Bognor Regis Town (3rd) and Kingstonian (2nd) host AFC Hornchurch (5th). Of the four teams only The Trawlerboys have never played at Step Two of the non-league ladder.
Ryman Division One (North)
Witham Town (2nd) narrowly missed out on the title to VCD Athletic. A win at Cheshunt on Saturday would of won it for them but they only drew 1-1. They finished on 98 points from 46 games which would of been enough for the title in four of the last six Ryman Division One (North) seasons. They face Needham Market (5th) with Harlow Town (4th) travelling to Heybridge Swifts (3rd). The games take place on Tuesday evening.
Ryman Division One (South)
Tuesday night football again as Folkestone Invicta (2nd) welcome Hastings United (5th) and Leatherhead (3rd) welcome Guernsey (4th). Could The Green Lions formed in 2011 make it a hat-trick of promotions?
Calor League Premier Division
Tuesday night see's Chesham United (2nd) welcome Stourbridge (5th) and then Wednesday night see's Cambridge City (3rd) welcome St Albans City (4th). The Cold End can see both of these games topping 1,000 attendances.
Calor League Division One Central
The Central Division was one of the closest in the pyramid. Just four points separated the top four teams. Both games take place on Tuesday night where Kettering Town (3rd) host Daventry Town (4th) and Rugby Town (2nd) welcome Slough Town. Kettering Town played Daventry on Monday 21st April in a league fixture which attracted 1,228. The Poppies won this one 2-0 and I can see the crowd topping 1,500 tomorrow night.
Calor League Division One South and West
Merthyr Town (2nd) played Swindon Supermarine (5th) and Tiverton Town (3rd) play Paulton Rovers (4th). Both games are to be played tomorrow night.
Saturday, 26 April 2014
THE TOWN ARE STAYING UP!!
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| THE ENFIELD TOWN TRAVELLING SUPPORT TODAY |
With East Thurrock United coming down from 0-2 down to beat Bognor Regis Town 4-2, Wingate and Finchley beating Billericay 4-0 and Town only drawing 1-1 at around 70 minutes played it would of took just two more goals from Wingate for them to stay up on goal difference. They did get one more and make it a full time score of 5-0 but it was Ryan Doyle (who had hit the bar in the first half with a header) who was the hero for Town as it was was his goal who sent the mass ranks of travelling Town Ultras wild in the 73 minute to make the score 1-2.
For Wingate and Finchley it's unfortunately relegation back to Division One (North) on goal difference from East Thurrock United. Thamesmead Town (who needed a extraordinary sequence of results to avoid relegation) are the other side joining Carshalton Athletic and Cray Wanderers in the bottom four despite beating Bury Town 4-2 at Bayliss Avenue.
I wonder what price you would of got for all four teams (Enfield Town, East Thurrock United, Wingate and Finchley and Thamesmead Town) winning before kick off?
Some selected highlights are below including both goals scored (sorry about the dodgy angles but it makes great viewing for Enfield Town fans) and some of the celebration after the game -
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| ENFIELD TOWN RYMAN PREMIER LEAGUE FOR 2014/15 |
Friday, 25 April 2014
EASTERN COUNTIES LEAGUE - A VERY EXCITING END TO THE TITLE RACE
THURLOW NUNN EASTERN COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
Current table - places 1 to 5 only
The business end to the season in the Eastern Counties League looks set to be very exciting with five teams still in contention to win the championship with just two or three games to play. If third placed Brightlingsea Regent win their final three games they will be champions but with a tough trip to Diss Town who need a win in their battle to stay out of the bottom three and then two home games versus Brantham Atheltic and Norwich United (currently in sixth place) it's going to be a very interesting week for followers of The Regent. Current table topper's Felixstowe and Walton United go to Norwich United tomorrow and then finish with what could be an amazing game against Godmanchester Rovers on the final Saturday of the season - Could this game be a championship decider?
Hadleigh United have lost five of their last seven league games which has seen them drop from title certainties to contenders. Back in October after 16 games played they were eleven points clear of then second placed Gorleston. They could still win the league and got back to winning ways with a 0-4 victory at Brantham Athletic on Monday 21st April.
Could we see five teams still in contention on the final day of the season next weekend?
FINAL FIXTURES FOR TOP FIVE
Saturday 26th April
CRC v HADLEIGH UNITED
DISS TOWN v BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT
GODMANCHESTER ROVERS v KIRKLEY and PAKEFIELD
GORLESTON v WOODBRIDGE TOWN
NORWICH UNITED v FELIXSTOWE and WALTON UNITED
Tuesday 29th April
BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT v BRANTHAM ATHLETIC
FC CLACTON v GODMANCHESTER ROVERS
Wednesday 30th April
STANWAY ROVERS v GORLESTON
Saturday 3rd May
BRANTHAM ATHLETIC v GORLESTON
BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT v NORWICH UNITED
FELIXSTOWE and WALTON UNITED v GODMANCHESTER ROVERS
HADLEIGH UNITED v MILDENHALL TOWN
Current table - places 1 to 5 only
| POSITION | TEAM | P | GD | PTS | POSSIBLE | FORM |
| 1 | FELIXSTOWE & WALTON UNITED | 36 | +40 | 78 | 84 | WWWWDW |
| 2 | HADLEIGH UNITED | 36 | +55 | 77 | 83 | LLDLLW |
| 3 | BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT | 35 | +43 | 76 | 85 | DLWWDW |
| 4 | GORLESTON | 35 | +24 | 74 | 83 | WLDWDW |
| 5 | GODMANCHESTER ROVERS | 35 | +39 | 73 | 82 | WWWLWW |
The business end to the season in the Eastern Counties League looks set to be very exciting with five teams still in contention to win the championship with just two or three games to play. If third placed Brightlingsea Regent win their final three games they will be champions but with a tough trip to Diss Town who need a win in their battle to stay out of the bottom three and then two home games versus Brantham Atheltic and Norwich United (currently in sixth place) it's going to be a very interesting week for followers of The Regent. Current table topper's Felixstowe and Walton United go to Norwich United tomorrow and then finish with what could be an amazing game against Godmanchester Rovers on the final Saturday of the season - Could this game be a championship decider?
Hadleigh United have lost five of their last seven league games which has seen them drop from title certainties to contenders. Back in October after 16 games played they were eleven points clear of then second placed Gorleston. They could still win the league and got back to winning ways with a 0-4 victory at Brantham Athletic on Monday 21st April.
Could we see five teams still in contention on the final day of the season next weekend?
FINAL FIXTURES FOR TOP FIVE
Saturday 26th April
CRC v HADLEIGH UNITED
DISS TOWN v BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT
GODMANCHESTER ROVERS v KIRKLEY and PAKEFIELD
GORLESTON v WOODBRIDGE TOWN
NORWICH UNITED v FELIXSTOWE and WALTON UNITED
Tuesday 29th April
BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT v BRANTHAM ATHLETIC
FC CLACTON v GODMANCHESTER ROVERS
Wednesday 30th April
STANWAY ROVERS v GORLESTON
Saturday 3rd May
BRANTHAM ATHLETIC v GORLESTON
BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT v NORWICH UNITED
FELIXSTOWE and WALTON UNITED v GODMANCHESTER ROVERS
HADLEIGH UNITED v MILDENHALL TOWN
Thursday, 24 April 2014
THREE WAY BATTLE FOR THE HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY LEAGUE TITLE
HERTSAVERS SENIOR COUNTY LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
current table positions 1-3 only
All of the top three in the Premier Division of the Hertsavers Senior County League Premier Division played tonight and all three of them won. Current table topper's Whitwell won 5-1 at home to Standon and Puckeridge, Bedmond recorded a 1-2 win at Cuffley and Belstone had a 1-6 victory at Bushey Sports Club.
With all three teams on a possible points total of 72, 70 and 68 it looks like it's going to go right to the end of the season. Two games that stand out are both at Bedmond Sports when this Saturday they entertain Belstone and then the following Saturday (3rd May) they welcome Whitwell. Bedmond recently recorded a 1-4 victory at Belstone on Thursday 17th April and then Belstone could only draw 2-2 at home to second bottom Hinton on Saturday 19th but could their massive goal difference of +51 make all the difference in the end.
In other news the final of the prestigious Aubery Cup (the league's cup) will take place on Monday 5th May between Premier Division Standon and Puckeridge and Division One side Evergreen.
current table positions 1-3 only
| POSITION | TEAM | P | GD | PTS | POSSIBLE |
| 1 | WHITWELL | 25 | +23 | 53 | 68 |
| 2 | BEDMOND SPORTS AND SOCIAL | 23 | +28 | 49 | 70 |
| 3 | BELSTONE | 22 | +51 | 48 | 72 |
All of the top three in the Premier Division of the Hertsavers Senior County League Premier Division played tonight and all three of them won. Current table topper's Whitwell won 5-1 at home to Standon and Puckeridge, Bedmond recorded a 1-2 win at Cuffley and Belstone had a 1-6 victory at Bushey Sports Club.
With all three teams on a possible points total of 72, 70 and 68 it looks like it's going to go right to the end of the season. Two games that stand out are both at Bedmond Sports when this Saturday they entertain Belstone and then the following Saturday (3rd May) they welcome Whitwell. Bedmond recently recorded a 1-4 victory at Belstone on Thursday 17th April and then Belstone could only draw 2-2 at home to second bottom Hinton on Saturday 19th but could their massive goal difference of +51 make all the difference in the end.
In other news the final of the prestigious Aubery Cup (the league's cup) will take place on Monday 5th May between Premier Division Standon and Puckeridge and Division One side Evergreen.
ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE - IT'S ALL DOWN TO THE FINAL DAY
Essex Senior League
current table
postitions 1-3
Following Haringey Borough's 5-0 home win versus Stansted and 1893's 'away' 0-6 victory against Sporting Bengal United (the game was played at Goldsdown Road) the race for the title in the Essex Senior League will come down to the final Saturday of the season.
Haringey have seemingly come from nowhere to challenge for the title. Following problems with the pitch and the wet weather they didn't play a home game at Coles Park from Saturday 2nd November through to the Saturday 8th March. They also played only three league games in December, January and February! Since the 1st March they have lost only one of their eighteen league games played which could prove crucial as it was the away game against Great Wakering Rovers (2-1 on 1/3/14). They have recently beaten Rovers and 1893 at Coles Park which has given them a chance of winning the title.
FIXTURES FOR SATURDAY 26th APRIL 2014
BASILDON UNITED v GREAT WAKERING ROVERS
ENFIELD 1893 v SAWBRIDGEWORTH TOWN
HARINGEY BOROUGH v TAKELEY
All Great Wakering Rovers need to do is win in their away match at Basildon United to be crowned champions. If they lose or draw then Haringey or 1893 will be crowned champions subject to the results in their games. One possible outcome is that if Rovers lose and Haringey and 1893 draw then the title will be decided on goal difference with Borough having the best at that point as Rovers will lose at least one goal with their possible defeat.
The Essex Senior League officials will have to have the league championship cup hovering somewhere between North London and Essex ready for a quick journey to the grateful winning team's captain to lift at around 5pm.
postitions 1-3
| POSITION | TEAM | P | GD | PTS | POSSIBLE |
| 1 | GREAT WAKERING ROVERS | 37 | +69 | 89 | 92 |
| 2 | HARINGEY BOROUGH | 37 | +69 | 88 | 91 |
| 3 | ENFIELD 1893 FC | 37 | +62 | 88 | 91 |
Following Haringey Borough's 5-0 home win versus Stansted and 1893's 'away' 0-6 victory against Sporting Bengal United (the game was played at Goldsdown Road) the race for the title in the Essex Senior League will come down to the final Saturday of the season.
Haringey have seemingly come from nowhere to challenge for the title. Following problems with the pitch and the wet weather they didn't play a home game at Coles Park from Saturday 2nd November through to the Saturday 8th March. They also played only three league games in December, January and February! Since the 1st March they have lost only one of their eighteen league games played which could prove crucial as it was the away game against Great Wakering Rovers (2-1 on 1/3/14). They have recently beaten Rovers and 1893 at Coles Park which has given them a chance of winning the title.
FIXTURES FOR SATURDAY 26th APRIL 2014
BASILDON UNITED v GREAT WAKERING ROVERS
ENFIELD 1893 v SAWBRIDGEWORTH TOWN
HARINGEY BOROUGH v TAKELEY
All Great Wakering Rovers need to do is win in their away match at Basildon United to be crowned champions. If they lose or draw then Haringey or 1893 will be crowned champions subject to the results in their games. One possible outcome is that if Rovers lose and Haringey and 1893 draw then the title will be decided on goal difference with Borough having the best at that point as Rovers will lose at least one goal with their possible defeat.
The Essex Senior League officials will have to have the league championship cup hovering somewhere between North London and Essex ready for a quick journey to the grateful winning team's captain to lift at around 5pm.
CONGRATULATIONS TO WEALDSTONE - CHAMPIONS
Next season will see The Stones play at Step Two of the non-league ladder for the first time since 1991/92 when they finished in the relegation places of the Southern League Premier Division along with Poole Town, Fisher Athletic and Gravesend & Northfleet.
They are the team to emulate as despite the disappointment of play-off defeat in the last two seasons manager Gordon Bartlett has strengthened his side which has paid off this season. Last summer the addition of former Premier League and football league midfielder Glen Little has proved a very valuable signing.
Bartlett has been in charge since June 1995 and the Ryman Premier Division title has to be his best achievement with the club to date.
The Stones have needed the help of ex Towner's Scott McGleish, Jey Siva and ex Enfield FC midfielder Mark Bentley to get over the line!!
They will be looking to renew their rivalry with last season's Ryman Premier Division champion's Whitehawk who could still be relegated on Saturday. The Hawks currently occupy the final relegation place on -15 GD and are level on points with Maidenhead United (-14 GD) and Hayes & Yeading United (-6 GD). They will either need a win or a possibly a draw at home to second placed Sutton United in order to stay up!
#SURVIVALSATURDAY
Current Ryman League Premier Division
places 19 to 22 only
It was all going to go down to final day wasn't it? Saturday will see two of four teams finish in the final relegation places of the Ryman Premier Division. There are many possibilities - what is sure is that there will be an afternoon of twists, turns, drama and finally celebration (and relief) contrasted with disappointment and Division One football to look forward to next season.
The big fixtures are as follows and the various permutations (I think I've included them all!!) of the results -
CRAY WANDERERS (24th place) v ENFIELD TOWN
EAST THURROCK UNITED v BOGNOR REGIS TOWN (2nd)
THAMESMEAD TOWN v BURY TOWN (15th)
WINGATE AND FINCHLEY v BILLERICY TOWN (10th)
ENFIELD TOWN
Win - Stay Up as it will be a points total of 51.
Draw - will probably be enough to stay up but if both East Thurrock United win and Wingate win (and turn around a goal difference of -5 against Enfield) then it's 21st place.
Loss - could still stay up but if both East Thurrock United and Wingate both win then it's 21st place and relegation
EAST THURROCK UNITED
Win - if Wingate draw or lose then it will be enough for them to stay up
Draw - As their goal difference +12 better than Wingate then even if the blues match them with a draw they will stay up
Loss - could still stay up if Wingate lose
WINGATE AND FINCHLEY
Win - if East Thurrock United draw or lose if will be enough for them to stay up
Draw - as above - if East Thurrock match their result the blues will be relegated on goal difference
Loss - will be relegated unless East Thurrock United lose by over 12 goals (and the goals W&F concede) then they will stay up on goal difference. This is a big IF!
THAMESMEAD TOWN
Need to win BIG as they can only get to 46 points and their goal difference is -31 in contrast to East Thurrock's -20. They will need a remarkable set of results to stay up.
places 19 to 22 only
| POSITION | TEAM | P | GD | PTS | POSSIBLE |
| 19 | ENFIELD TOWN | 45 | -27 | 48 | 51 |
| 20 | EAST THURROCK UNITED | 45 | -20 | 46 | 49 |
| 21 | WINGATE AND FINCHLEY | 45 | -32 | 46 | 49 |
| 22 | THAMESMEAD TOWN | 45 | -31 | 43 | 46 |
It was all going to go down to final day wasn't it? Saturday will see two of four teams finish in the final relegation places of the Ryman Premier Division. There are many possibilities - what is sure is that there will be an afternoon of twists, turns, drama and finally celebration (and relief) contrasted with disappointment and Division One football to look forward to next season.
The big fixtures are as follows and the various permutations (I think I've included them all!!) of the results -
CRAY WANDERERS (24th place) v ENFIELD TOWN
EAST THURROCK UNITED v BOGNOR REGIS TOWN (2nd)
THAMESMEAD TOWN v BURY TOWN (15th)
WINGATE AND FINCHLEY v BILLERICY TOWN (10th)
ENFIELD TOWN
Win - Stay Up as it will be a points total of 51.
Draw - will probably be enough to stay up but if both East Thurrock United win and Wingate win (and turn around a goal difference of -5 against Enfield) then it's 21st place.
Loss - could still stay up but if both East Thurrock United and Wingate both win then it's 21st place and relegation
EAST THURROCK UNITED
Win - if Wingate draw or lose then it will be enough for them to stay up
Draw - As their goal difference +12 better than Wingate then even if the blues match them with a draw they will stay up
Loss - could still stay up if Wingate lose
WINGATE AND FINCHLEY
Win - if East Thurrock United draw or lose if will be enough for them to stay up
Draw - as above - if East Thurrock match their result the blues will be relegated on goal difference
Loss - will be relegated unless East Thurrock United lose by over 12 goals (and the goals W&F concede) then they will stay up on goal difference. This is a big IF!
THAMESMEAD TOWN
Need to win BIG as they can only get to 46 points and their goal difference is -31 in contrast to East Thurrock's -20. They will need a remarkable set of results to stay up.
Monday, 7 April 2014
ANOTHER VICTORY FOR THE TOWNERS - RYMAN PREMIER RELEGATION UPDATE
There were wins for Enfield Town (1-4 at Carshalton Athletic) and East Thurrock United (2-0 at home to Canvey Island) in the race to stay out of the remaining relegation places at the weekend. W&F lost 4-2 at Dulwich Hamlet pulling them further towards the drop zone and Thamesmead Town now look to need a miracle to stay up following their 3-0 defeat at Leiston. The defeat for Carshalton Athletic and Cray Wanderers 0-4 home loss versus Kingstonian confirmed both clubs relegation who occupy places 23 and 24.
Harrow Borough in 18th place will probably need just one more win to stay out of it with what The Cold End has written about for a few weeks in that it's basically now a three-way battle between Enfield Town, Wingate and Finchley and East Thurrock United to stay out of finishing in 21st place.
East Thurrock and Enfield Town play the game in hand they have over W&F this midweek with Margate visiting Rookery Hill and Lewes travelling to Donkey Lane. Wingate's next game comes on Saturday when they travel to Bognor Regis Town.
Ryman Premier Division Current Table
positions 18 to 22 only
It could all come down to Easter Weekend when Enfield Town travel to Wingate and Finchley on Saturday 19th April and then entertain East Thurrock United at Donkey Lane on Bank Holiday Easter Monday.
The Cold End won't be updated for a few weeks due to some essential computer maintenance at Cold End HQ so to keep in touch with what's happening follow @ETFCOfficial, @etfc_ultras or one of the many non-league/Ryman fans on twitter.
Talking of the fantastic Enfield Town Ultras here is the latest video of the fans and some action from the game at Carshalton Athletic including the football genius Jamie Richards @thericho9 breaking one of the Ultra's drums -
footballwebpages.co.uk is also the go to place to check on all the league positions and statistics in the Ryman League.
The Cold End will return at the end of April.
Harrow Borough in 18th place will probably need just one more win to stay out of it with what The Cold End has written about for a few weeks in that it's basically now a three-way battle between Enfield Town, Wingate and Finchley and East Thurrock United to stay out of finishing in 21st place.
East Thurrock and Enfield Town play the game in hand they have over W&F this midweek with Margate visiting Rookery Hill and Lewes travelling to Donkey Lane. Wingate's next game comes on Saturday when they travel to Bognor Regis Town.
Ryman Premier Division Current Table
positions 18 to 22 only
| POS | TEAM | P | GD | PTS | POSS PTS |
| 18 | HARROW BOROUGH | 41 | -6 | 49 | 64 |
| 19 | ENFIELD TOWN | 40 | -24 | 43 | 61 |
| 20 | WINGATE AND FINCHLEY | 41 | -30 | 42 | 57 |
| 21 | EAST THURROCK UNITED | 40 | -19 | 39 | 57 |
| 22 | THAMESMEAD TOWN | 42 | -37 | 34 | 46 |
It could all come down to Easter Weekend when Enfield Town travel to Wingate and Finchley on Saturday 19th April and then entertain East Thurrock United at Donkey Lane on Bank Holiday Easter Monday.
The Cold End won't be updated for a few weeks due to some essential computer maintenance at Cold End HQ so to keep in touch with what's happening follow @ETFCOfficial, @etfc_ultras or one of the many non-league/Ryman fans on twitter.
Talking of the fantastic Enfield Town Ultras here is the latest video of the fans and some action from the game at Carshalton Athletic including the football genius Jamie Richards @thericho9 breaking one of the Ultra's drums -
footballwebpages.co.uk is also the go to place to check on all the league positions and statistics in the Ryman League.
The Cold End will return at the end of April.
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| THREE WAY BATTLE TO AVOID FINAL RELEGATION PLACE? ENFIELD TOWN , EAST THURROCK UNITED AND WINGATE & FINCHLEY |
Friday, 4 April 2014
TOWN BATTLE TO VICTORY AGAINST BOGNOR REGIS TOWN
The Enfield Town players put in an heroic performance full of pride and passion at Donkey Lane last night in beating play-off chasing Bognor Regis Town - winning 2-1 after coming back from being 0-1 down to a very good footballing side at half-time. Many of The Town starting XI had played on Thursday, Saturday, Tuesday and now Thursday as well as having full-time jobs so the next time you hear a Premier Division player complaining about being tired due to the number of games they have played they really don't have anything to moan about! The Cold End took a night off from filming and sampled the amazing atmosphere behind the goal with the Enfield Town Ultras. Muzzy was on hand to capture the evening's events which are well worth a watch below.
George Borg summed up what an inspirational motivational manager he is by wearing a t-shirt which stated 'PROUD OF MY PLAYERS' and then banging on one of the Ultra's drums. He will know the job is not done yet and lot's of hard graft is still in store over the next few weeks if the Town are to stay up.
The evening was maybe the first and last time Wealdstone fans cheered an Enfield Town victotry and Town fans cheered a Stones win. Town's victory put a dent in The Rock's outside chance of winning the title and our Middlesex rival's 0-3 win at East Thurrock United helped The Town out at the bottom of the table.
Town travel to bottom side Carshalton Athletic tomorrow afternoon where an away victory would confirm the home side's relegation. It would put Town on 43 points with The Robins only able to then get a possible points total of 41. If Cray were to lose their game at home to play-off challenger's Kingstonian and Enfield Town win then both The Wands and The Robins will be relegated.
As The Cold End has stated before it now does look like a race between Wingate and Finchley, Enfield Town and East Thurrock United as to who finishes in the last relegation place.
Other matches involving the bottom of the table tomorrow are Wingate and Finchley traveling to Dulwich Hamlet with East Thurrock United entertaining Essex rival's Canvey Island. Thamesmead Town have a really tough looking trip to Leiston who were really impressive against Town last weekend.
RYMAN PREMIER DIVISION CURRENT TABLE
bottom six only - red denotes relegation places
George Borg summed up what an inspirational motivational manager he is by wearing a t-shirt which stated 'PROUD OF MY PLAYERS' and then banging on one of the Ultra's drums. He will know the job is not done yet and lot's of hard graft is still in store over the next few weeks if the Town are to stay up.
The evening was maybe the first and last time Wealdstone fans cheered an Enfield Town victotry and Town fans cheered a Stones win. Town's victory put a dent in The Rock's outside chance of winning the title and our Middlesex rival's 0-3 win at East Thurrock United helped The Town out at the bottom of the table.
Town travel to bottom side Carshalton Athletic tomorrow afternoon where an away victory would confirm the home side's relegation. It would put Town on 43 points with The Robins only able to then get a possible points total of 41. If Cray were to lose their game at home to play-off challenger's Kingstonian and Enfield Town win then both The Wands and The Robins will be relegated.
As The Cold End has stated before it now does look like a race between Wingate and Finchley, Enfield Town and East Thurrock United as to who finishes in the last relegation place.
Other matches involving the bottom of the table tomorrow are Wingate and Finchley traveling to Dulwich Hamlet with East Thurrock United entertaining Essex rival's Canvey Island. Thamesmead Town have a really tough looking trip to Leiston who were really impressive against Town last weekend.
RYMAN PREMIER DIVISION CURRENT TABLE
bottom six only - red denotes relegation places
| TEAM | P | GD | PTS | POSS PTS |
| WINGATE AND FINCHLEY | 40 | -28 | 42 | 60 |
| ENFIELD TOWN | 39 | -27 | 40 | 61 |
| EAST THURROCK UNITED | 39 | -21 | 36 | 57 |
| THAMESMEAD TOWN | 41 | -34 | 34 | 49 |
| CRAY WANDERERS | 40 | -83 | 26 | 44 |
| CARSHALTON ATHLETIC | 39 | -48 | 23 | 44 |
Wednesday, 2 April 2014
CONTROVERSIAL ENDING TO GAME BUT WINSLOW COLLECT THREE POINTS
It was a real scrappy game played on Wednesday night at Wodson Park as neither side really got going and caused any sort of sustained goal-mouth action to write about. The visitors, Winslow United, took the lead in the first half and the longer the game went on I thought the only chance the hosts were going to get to score was via a set-piece. They got that chance right on 90+ minutes when the referee awarded a penalty for what he adjudged to be a foul in the box to the amazement of both sets of supporters and club officials present. The video evidence is below. Wodson Park missed a great chance to collect a good point when the Winslow keeper saved well by diving to his left with the resulting cross ball going agonisingly just past the post and just in front of a Wodson player's outstretched leg.
Wodson Park have moved back to their spiritual home at the Athletic's track towards the rear of the complex this campaign after sharing with Ware for two seasons. The ground is very sparse at the moment as you can see from the pictures but there are plans for 100 seater stand to be built very soon.
ANOTHER DEFEAT FOR THE BLUE BOYS
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| Tough times over at Hatfield Town - The club will hopefully come back stronger next season |
Tuesday, 1 April 2014
AMPTHILL COMFORTABLY THROUGH TO THE NORTH BEDS CHARITY CUP FINAL
Ampthill Town, of the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division (Step 5), travelled to Potton United of the United Counties League Division One (Step 6) last night to play the North Bedfordshire Charity Cup Semi-Final and the result went the way of the visitors by a comfortable 0-4 scoreline. Ampthill's fourth goal was scored by Danny Watson which was incredibly his 50th of the season!
Ampthill scored two in each half and qualify for the final where they will play the winners of the other semi-final which is being played on Thursday 10th April between Barton Rovers and Langford.
There is an interesting game taking place at The Hollow next Wednesday 9th April night when Potton United Reserves entertain their local rival's Potton Town in the Bedfordshire County League Division Two. A proper local derby that Town need to win to keep up their challenge at the top of the table.
Watch Ampthill's goals below -
Ampthill scored two in each half and qualify for the final where they will play the winners of the other semi-final which is being played on Thursday 10th April between Barton Rovers and Langford.
There is an interesting game taking place at The Hollow next Wednesday 9th April night when Potton United Reserves entertain their local rival's Potton Town in the Bedfordshire County League Division Two. A proper local derby that Town need to win to keep up their challenge at the top of the table.
Watch Ampthill's goals below -
LEISTON WIN AT DONKEY LANE
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| A great turn out by the Enfield Town fans on Saturday |
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| Some of the loyal Leiston travelling fans in the first half |
Gradually Leiston got a grip of the game and it seemed the battling 0-2 win Town recorded at Billericay Town less than 48 hours prior to kick off took it's toll. Gareth Heath scored with a great finish to make it 1-1 followed by a Connor Hubble (on loan from Colchester United) strike in the second half and a second goal from Heath. Emmanuel Osei came on as a second half substitute and was a constant thorn in the Town's backline playing a part in both the second and third goals.
It was Leiston's first victory at Donkey Lane having lost 1-0 in the 2012/13 Ryman Premier season and by the same scoreline in the 2011/12 Division One (South) campaign.
WATCH THE MATCH HIGHLIGHTS BELOW
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| They joined some of the other travelling fans in the second half and left to travel back to Suffolk very happy! |
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| George Borg talks to his troops after the game. Defeat was a setback but safety is still well in the hands of the players. COME ON YOU TOWNERS! |
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