DIVISION ONE (NORTH) TITLE GOES RIGHT TO THE WIRE

Needham Market had one hand on the Ryman Division One (North) title when they went in at half-time 2-0 up against Harlow Town this afternoon thanks to two goals from Sam Newson (11 and 21). A crowd of 972 at Bloomfields saw The Hawks come back with goals from Alex Read (61) and Craig Pope (88). There was some apparent controversy when Leon Antoine 'scored' a goal with the scoreline at 2-1 with the Assistant Referee flagging for offside - a decision which was hotly contested. 

It now all goes down to next weekend and the final game of the season with Harlow Town entertaining Thamesmead Town and Needham Market travelling to Chatham Town. 

A win for Needham would give them the title. Should they lose or draw and Harlow win then the league title would be won at Barrows Farm. 

The play offs will be contested by either one of the title challengers, AFC Sudbury, Brentwood Town and Thurrock. Again the phrase 'Mathematically possible' is applicable to Dereham Town's chances in sixth place but they would have to overcome a +28 goal difference and hope Thurrock lose - Dereham can still be very pleased at their showing in their first season in the division since promotion from the Eastern Counties League at the end of last season.