With eight games scheduled for Thursday, there is a lot at stake in all three divisions this week. Ossett United can put the pressure on Runcorn Linnets at the top of the Northern Division with a win, Mickleover (Red) can set up a final-day title decider against Stafford Rangers if they avoid defeat in the Midlands Division and Chesham United can clinch the Southern Division with a point.
Key Matchup
Swindon Supermarine v Chesham United
This week’s Key Matchup comes from the Southern Division where Swindon Supermarine will be looking to delay Chesham United’s title party.
A draw for Chesham will crown them as the Southern Division winners after a very impressive season. ‘The Generals’ currently sit on 24 points having won 8 games out of 8. They are the only team in the entire ESPFA that has a perfect record and will be the first division winner crowned if they can avoid defeat on Thursday.
Swindon Supermarine won’t go down without a fight, and still have league standings to play for. With two games left they will be hoping to catch Rushall Olympic (Black) who are one place above them in fourth. Swindon were involved in a bizarre game in their last run out, where their fixture against Yate Town finished in an 8-6 defeat. They will be hoping to sure up their defence before playing the potential champions of the Southern Division but keep their free scoring ways.
Northern Division
Brighouse Town v Runcorn linnets
After failing to make it three wins in a row in their last fixture, Brighouse Town will be looking to get back to winning ways when they welcome the current Northern Division leaders. Runcorn tasted defeat themselves for just the second time this season in their last match, and with Ossett United playing on Thursday as well, they will be desperate for a win to keep ‘The Sheepicorns’ at bay.
Mossley v Witton Albion
This is the second meeting between these two teams in a week after Witton hosted the return leg in #MatchweekNine. In a cagey match where neither side could stay on top for long periods of the game, Mossley took all three points with a 0-2 win. The Greater Manchester side have played the least number of games in the division with seven, so will be looking to climb up the table with their games in hand.
Ossett United v Skelmersdale United
Skelmersdale United produced the shock result of the week in #MatchweekNine after beating division leaders Runcorn Linnets 4-2. What makes this win even more shocking is in the return leg in #MatchweekEight, Skelmersdale United suffered a 7-1 defeat to their closest rivals in the Northern Division. With a game in hand and currently just one point behind Runcorn Linnets, Ossett United will be desperate for a win to boost their Northern Division title ambitions.
Midlands Division
Carlton Town v Belper Town
The two teams at the bottom of the Midlands Division go head-to-head on Thursday with Carlton Town eyeing up Mickleover (Black) in fifth place above them. A win for the Nottinghamshire side will take them level on points with Mickleover (Black) while also having a game in hand on them. Belper Town are still looking for their first win of the season and after a closely fought game last time between these two sides, this could be their best opportunity yet.
Mickleover (Red) v Rushall Olympic (Amber)
This game is essentially a cup final for Mickleover (Red). All they need to do is avoid defeat in this fixture to set up a potential winner-takes-all match against Stafford Rangers on the 13th of May. Stafford Rangers currently sit at the top of the division on 25 points from nine games where as Mickleover (Red) are on 21 points from eight games and currently have a better goal difference. A draw against Rushall Olympic (Amber) and a win over Stafford Rangers would be enough to secure the title for Mickleover (Red).
Southern Division
Kidlington v Yate Town
Kidlington will be hoping to muster a better performance than the last time these sides met in #MatchweekSeven. They were beaten 5-1 on that occasion but they have picked up three more points from two games since then. A win for Kidlington would help them to secure a third-place finish but Rushall Olympic (Black) are knocking on the door behind them and Yate Town will be keen to grab three more points just in case of any slip ups from Chesham United.
Rushall Olympic (Black) v Frome Town
Rushall Olympic (Black) are currently three points behind Kidlington in fourth place and with them facing a tough fixture against Yate Town, this fixture could be key in deciding the standings come the end of the season. Frome will be looking to get their second win of the season and after a strong stand against the league leaders Chesham United in their last game out, there is positive signs for The Robins.
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