Billericay take the title, Scholars are in the driving seat- and Casuals are anything but casual

Billericay Town last night confirmed their place in National League South next season with victory over Harlow Town at the AGP Arena- in front of a crowd of just under 1700. A goal three minutes before the end of each half- the first from Joe Kizzi, the second from Adam Cunnington- gave them a 2-0 win and extended the gap between them and second place Dulwich Hamlet to seven points with Hamlet having only two matches remaining. With the exception of a cold weather blip the Blues have been imperious this season, and if they can manage a victory over third place Folkestone Invicta on Saturday they will be able to combine their champions celebrations with the knowledge that they’ve achieved over 100 points. Congratulations to Glenn Tamplin, Harry Wheeler and all at the club.

Elsewhere a different set of Blues were writing a new chapter in their own history, as Leiston beat Needham Market at Victory Road. The highest league position ever achieved by the club was last season’s seventh place, and after a 2-0 win last night the club are virtually guaranteed at least sixth, unless Margate can somehow overcome a six goal disadvantage when they travel to Dulwich Hamlet at the weekend. Glenn Driver and his team are not yet guaranteed a playoff place, however- if Leatherhead beat Hendon tonight then the match between Leiston and Hendon on Saturday could yet turn out to be a playoff qualifier- but you certainly wouldn’t want to bet against them; and whatever happens their recent form, with only one defeat in the last thirteen matches, has been exemplary. First half goals from Jake Reed and Patrick Brothers gave them the points last night.

Finally in the Premier Division, Dorking Wanderers last ever floodlit game at Westhumble turned into a bit of a damp squib for home fans, as they fell 4-0 to Harrow Borough. Adam Richards and a George Moore double gave Borough a dominant half time lead, and Ant O’Connor added the fourth nine minutes into the second half.

It was a significant night in the North Division too, which leaves is with an incredible last Saturday of the season to look forward to. Champions AFC Hornchurch were held to a 1-1 draw at Cheshunt, but the battle for second place will go right to the wire, and Potters Bar Town now have the advantage as Bowers and Pitsea lost their game in hand 1-0 at Hertford Town to remain in third, a point behind the Scholars. Charlie Cole scored the Hertford goal.

Heybridge Swifts created even more interest at both ends of the table. Their victory over Norwich United means that they are now one of four sides who can still claim the second automatic promotion spot on Saturday- the other being Haringey Borough. A late winner from Ryan Henshaw after Adam Hipperson for the Planters had cancelled out an opener from James Baker moved Swifts to within three points of Potters Bar with one match remaining, and also gave hope to Romford at the foot of the table. Romford are five points behind United but have two matches to play, so need to beat Grays Athletic tonight to keep their fight against relegation going until the final day.

Saturday sees Potters Bar travel to Barking, whilst Bowers- a point behind- host Brentwood Town. Haringey Borough are also only a point from the Scholars, and they travel to Bury Town, whilst Swifts have to make up three points and face Soham Town Rangers- but if they make up the points they have by far the best goal difference of the quartet. Our #bostikmatchday feature will come direct from Barking (M25 willing).

The other North Division matches last night saw away wins for Tilbury, Soham Town Rangers and Witham Town at Barking, Brentwood Town and Maldon & Tiptree. Dereham Town defeated Waltham Abbey 2-0, whilst the match between Ware and Aveley ended goalless.

Saturday saw Corinthian-Casuals slip out of the South Division playoff places with defeat at home to Herne Bay, but they had a game in hand over their rivals and made good use of it, climbing back to fifth win an emphatic 5-0 win over Guernsey. A double from Gabriel Odunaike was added to by Max Oldham and Jamie Byatt- and an own goal- as the side in pink and brown found form once more. The battle for the playoff places will go to the final day, with Cray Wanderers seemingly secure in fourth due to an enormous goal difference but Corinthian Casuals, Hythe Town and Walton Casuals battling for the final two spots. Walton Casuals have two points to make up on Hythe and three to make up on Corinthian, but will be heartened by the fact that their two rivals have to play each other- and that they have a better goal difference than both of them.

Elsewhere, goals from Davide Rodari and Ollie Rowe gave Hastings United victory over South park, whilst Ashford United, after waiting all season for an away win, managed their second in a row with a 3-1 win at Molesey- a match for which Nuts and Bolts manager Gary Alexander pulled on his boots once more. A double from Joshua Oyinsan and one from Jordan Johnson-Palmer made the difference, whilst an own goal narrowed the gap.

Tonight, Leatherhead entertain Hendon, Shoreham host Whyteleafe, and Romford take on Grays Athletic.

Headline image from Nicky Hayes.