We have officially approached the business end of the season and with only a handful of games left there is still lots to play for. The Northern Division is anything but decided, with four teams still in the hunt for the division title whereas Stafford Rangers could seal the Midlands Division if they avoid defeat in their final game of the season. The pressure is on.
Key Matchup
Mickleover (Red) v Stafford Rangers
The Key Matchup of the week is without a doubt this heavyweight clash in the Midlands Division between Mickleover (Red) and Stafford Rangers.
If Stafford Rangers avoid defeat in this fixture, they win the division title. It’s as simple as that. They have been terrific all season and are yet to be beaten, having won eight games and drawn one so far this season. Despite being away from home, Stafford will be confident going into this fixture having already beaten Mickleover (Red) in #MatchweekSeven. A draw is enough to ensure that Mickleover (Red), who are currently four points behind them with one game in hand, can’t catch them and would confirm them as Midlands Division champions.
Mickleover (Red) will know that a win in this fixture puts the ball in their court. If the home side take all three points on Thursday, then they will only need to draw in their last game of the season against Rushall Olympic (Amber) due to their superior goal difference. This should be a brilliant game to watch for the neutral with two well drilled, skilful teams going at it.
Northern Division
Mossley v Skelmersdale United
The Northern Division is almost too close to call and with both of these sides only playing nine games so far, a win here would really ignite their title hopes. Mossley really put the cat amongst the pigeons in their last game by beating top of the table Runcorn Linnets and although it may be a big ask, if they win their remaining three games and other results go their way, they could have a shot at winning the division. Skem are in a similar boat and three wins in their next three games would put them right up there in contention.
Ossett United v Runcorn Linnets
Another massive game in the title race for the Northern Division. A win for Runcorn Linnets would mean that only Mossley or Skem with a perfect record could catch them on 25 points. A win for Ossett would see them leapfrog Runcorn Linnets and put them in first place with one game to play. When the sides met last time, Runcorn Linnets took the points in a closely contested 2-1 win.
Radcliffe v Witton Albion
In what will be their final league game of the season, Witton Albion will want to finish the season on a high and build on their victory on Monday against Brighouse Town. Radcliffe won’t have fond memories of facing Witton Albion after losing 2-1 when the sides last met in #MatchweekSeven.
Midlands Division
Carlton Town v Rushall Olympic (Amber)
This game is more about playing for pride than anything with the Midlands Division standings nearly wrapped up. In what will be Carlton Town’s last game of the season, a big victory could see them go above Mickleover (Black) in the table who are three points ahead of them, but the Derbyshire side’s goal difference is seven goals better off than Carltons. Rushall Olympic (Amber) on the other had can’t catch Mickleover (Red) above them and can’t be caught by any teams below them, so we could see a few changes in the side that beat Belper Town 7-1 on the 29th of April.
Southern Division
Frome Town v Yate Town
The two south-west teams face off in their last game of the season and after only dropping points to the division winners Chesham united, Yate Town will be keen to keep that record intact and claim all three points. Frome showed a resolute performance in their last game against Rushall Olympic (Black) and had the scores level at half-time. Unfortunately, they couldn’t hang on for the draw so will be looking to pick up some points in their final outing.
Rushall Olympic (Black) v Swindon Supermarine
Rushall Olympic currently find themselves level on points with Kidlington, who sit in third spot, and just on goal behind them on goal difference. With Kidlington facing a tough game against the champions, Chesham United, three points could be vital for the Walsall team. Swindon will have one eye on the Frome Town result and know they aren’t mathematically safe from finishing bottom so they will want to pick up a win in their last game out.
Kidlington v Chesham United
Although the division title may be wrapped up for Chesham United, they will not be taking this game lightly, with a perfect ‘invincible’ record on the line. Having played nine games and won all nine, The Generals will be desperate to get the win to make it a perfect ten. Kidlington however have Rushall Olympic (Black) snapping at their heels behind them in the table so will also be eager to pick up some points here.