We have finally reached the last Matchweek of the season after what has been an extraordinary campaign to say the least. Going from the stop-start nature of this season, filled with disruptions to finally finishing the campaign and being able to crown three division winners before moving onto the National Championship shows how much hard work has gone into the completion of the season and we would like to thank everyone involved.
Key Matchup
Mickleover (Red) v Rushall Olympic
While the Northern Division winners and Southern Division winners have been crowned, the Midlands Division has gone right down to the wire with both Stafford Rangers and Mickleover (Red) having the chance of progressing to the National Championships.
Mickleover (Red) control their own destiny and a draw against Rushall would seal them the division title. Despite Stafford Rangers leading the division for most of the season and beating Mickelover (Red) on April 15th, the turning point came last week when Mickleover (Red) got revenge in the return fixture. Despite playing nearly 70-minutes with 10-men, Mickleover (Red) put in an incredible performance to beat the league leaders 4-0. A draw tomorrow for Mickleover (Red) is enough to draw them level on points with Stafford Rangers and their superb goal difference would clinch them the title. The Derbyshire side have conceded just 5 goals all season while finding the back of the net 44 times in nine games.
Regardless of the result, Rushall Olympic (Amber) have already clinched third spot in the division but will be wanting to end their season on a high, especially after losing their last game out against Carlton Town. When the sides last met in #MatchweekEight, Rushall did cause Mickleover some problems with the game finishing 2-5. Stafford Rangers will be hopeful for a Rushall win that would confirm them as the Midlands Division champions.
Northern Division
Skelmersdale United v Ossett United
Despite Runcorn Linnets being confirmed as the division winners last week, the battle for second place is by no means over, with three teams still in the hunt. Ossett United have the best claim and a win for them over Skelmersdale United would secure second place for them regardless of the other result in the Northern Division. A win for Skelmersdale United would see them move above Ossett United, and if Radcliffe draw with Mossley or beat them, Skem would finish the season in second.
Mossley v Radcliffe
Whilst Mossley’s title hopes ended last week after a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Skelmersdale United, they can still finish in second. On top of that, they are playing their local Greater Manchester rivals at home, so they won’t be short of motivation heading into this fixture. There is room for Radcliffe to move up the table as well. If they win this fixture and Skelmersdale United lose, they will draw level on points with them and go ahead on goal difference. These two sides met all the way back in #MatchweekOne, with Mossley taking a narrow 0-1 win.