MATCHWEEK EIGHT - MONDAY PREVIEW
After a brilliant double game week of fixtures last week with some excellent goals and a superb quality of football all around, the fixtures keep on coming thick and fast. It’s time to preview #MatchweekEight which features some mouth-watering ties.
MONDAY 19TH APRIL
Key Matchup
Radcliffe v Skelmersdale United
#MatchweekEight’s key matchup comes from the Northern Division where leaders Skelmersdale United make the short trip across Lancashire to face Radcliffe.
The sides go into Monday’s fixture in free scoring form after both finding the back of the net six times in their last outing. Skelmersdale United’s 0-6 win over Witton on Thursday sent them to the top of the table and they now remain one of only three unbeaten teams in the whole of the ESPFA. Things are tight at the top of the table though and Skelmersdale could do with another win on Monday as Runcorn are level on points with the Lancashire side in second place.
Radcliffe however will be no push overs, as shown by their brilliant 6-0 win over Brighouse on Thursday. After just 25 minutes played, the hosts were already 4-0 and controlled the game from there on. They have also taken some big scalps so far this season having beaten Runcorn Linnets earlier on in the season. The Northern Division is brilliantly contested, with only three points separating Radcliffe in fifth place and Skelmersdale United at the top of the division.
Northern Division
Mossley v Ossett United
These sides will be all too familiar with each other having faced off last Monday. Ossett United were the 3-0 victors on that occasion and another three points could keep them in the hunt for the top spot despite losing to Runcorn on Thursday. Mossley, who went into the last fixture on top of the division have now dropped to fourth so they will be looking to get back to winning ways to propel themselves up the table.
Runcorn Linnets v Brighouse Town
Runcorn got off to a winning start under new coach Ste Chaney after they beat Ossett United on Thursday. They are now hot on the heels of division leaders Skelmersdale United and only goal difference separates the two sides. Brighouse Town will be hoping to bounce back after their 6-0 defeat to Radcliffe on Thursday. Despite the score-line, there were some positives to take out of Thursdays game for Brighouse who dominated the ball for large parts in the second half.
Midlands Division
Stafford Rangers v Belper Town
Midlands Division leaders Stafford Rangers will go into this fixture full of confidence after beating title rivals Mickleover (Red) on Thursday. Stafford, who remain in the unbeaten club with Skelmersdale United and Chesham United will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the Midlands Division. Belper on the other hand will be hoping to pick up their first win of the season and can take some confidence into this fixture after a very competitive game last Monday against Carlton Town.
Mickleover (Black) v Mickleover (Red)
The two Mickleover sides face off on Monday for the first time this season, and despite being the lower side in the division, Mickleover (Black) go into this fixture in better form having won both of their games last week. Mickleover (Red) lost their first game of the season on Thursday and will know that not only are three points on offer in this tie but bragging rights as well.
Southern Division
Chesham United v Swindon Supermarine
Having won all five of their games played, Chesham United are the only side in the ESPFA to boast a perfect record and could extend the run to six games when they face Swindon Supermarine on Monday. #MatchweekSeven was a disappointing week for Swindon, who tasted defeat on both of the game days at the hands of Rushall Olympic (Black) and Frome Town. Swindon will be hoping to turn around their recent form and put a dent in Chesham’s perfect record.
Yate Town v Rushall Olympic (Black)
Yate Town had an excellent week last week, scoring 12 goals on the way to winning both their games in #MatchweekSeven. With a tasty matchup against division leaders Chesham United scheduled for Thursday, this is a must win fixture for Yate Town if they have want to keep up the pressure on the divisions run-away leaders. Rushall Olympic (Black) played just one fixture last week and were defeated by Chesham United. A win in this match would take them level on points with Kidlington, who sit in third place above them in the table.