Level playing field on play-off night

Usually you'll see many points separating second from fifth spot, take the Ryman South for example where the difference in points on Tuesday night between the first slot and the last was 23 points. Tonight's Ryman North battle could quite possibly be the most closely contested shoot-out around – the difference is just 10 points.

Most people will favour the team ending second, and with good reason. After all, they are the runners up. They have earned the right also to home advantage in the semi final, and – providing they get there – in the weekend’s finale.

Maldon and Tiptree are the side who finished just below champions Brightlingsea Regent and they will be big favourites to progress

The Jammers rested players on Saturday against Soham Town Rangers and their 4-3 defeat came with the knowledge that they were already assured of second place. Before that, their four wins from five demonstrate the power they go in with against Haringey Borough on Wednesday night.

Perhaps the playoff underdogs, Borough manager Tom Loizou is a proud man after victory against Norwich United. It sealed their place, but while he know it will be demanding the boss is aware that his side have already shown their ability against Maldon.

“They have already beaten us this season and we have beaten them,” he said. “So it has all the makings of a very good game. We’ve just got to carry on doing what we’ve been doing.”

Loizou is seen as a promising manager but Thurrock hope they hold the cards when it comes to the man in the dug out. Mark Stimson has been there and done it. A three time FA Trophy winner, a Conference South winning boss too, he also took Gillingham to the League Two title.

But Stimson has yet to win anything this decade – he will be looking to put that right in the Ryman North playoffs.He faces a big task and AFC Hornchurch are their opponents, a club with a bit of a score to settle.

The Urchins lost on last year’s final to Harlow, a game in truth Hornchurch didn’t really turn up for. This Essex derby has all the ingredients to be a classic – but who will come out on top?

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