The ESPFA Cup games are coming thick and fast now and with both sides of the competition being so competitive, every game becomes a must-win for those teams hoping to finish in the top four and progress to the quarter finals.
Key Matchup
Mickleover v Ossett United
In the North Cup, we see Ossett United travel to Mickleover in a vital game for both teams. Mickleover are currently in the top four and as things stand will progress to the quarter finals and still have two games, including this fixture, left to play. Ossett United have the benefit of playing the least number of games in the North Cup so far with just three games under their belt. A win here could springboard either side right into contention of finishing in the top four.
After a slow start to the cup campaign, Mickleover are unbeaten in their last three cup games and have won their last two, cementing their place in third. A win in this fixture would put them in a great position to finish in the top four, with only Ossett United and Brighouse Town able to catch them. The hosts will also take confidence in their meetings in the North Division where they took four points of The Sheepicorns.
Ossett United have split their games in the cup so far with a win, a draw and a loss and will be aware to the fact they can go level on points with their opposition with a win. In such a tightly packed North Cup table where just three points separate Mickleover in third and Carlton Town in eight, every point matters and Ossett can really boost their chances to progress with a result here.
North Cup
Brighouse Town v Belper Town
Another must win clash for both teams as the North Cup continues to serve up lots of drama. The visitors travel north up to West Yorkshire in their final cup game before the next phase of the competition and if they want to ensure it is not their last game of the season then The Nailers will have to win here. Three points would take them to a total of nine and give them a fighting chance of staying in the top four. Brighouse Town have had some excellent performances in the cup of late but are struggling to turn those performances into results, with two draws in their last two games. Still with three games left to play in the cup, a win for Brighouse Town would hot up the race for finishing in the top four.
South Cup
Kidlington v Frome Town
In the South Cup, with only five games being played by each team in the group stage, any team will feel they can sneak into the top four and progress onto the next round. This will most definitely apply to Frome Town who despite being in sixth place as things stand, three points would slingshot them up the table and they could finish the day in second place with this being the only South Cup game taking place. Kidlington have the benefit of being the team that has played the lowest number of games with just two and know they can catch any team above them in the standings.