Advantage Ambers- and success for Seasiders

In the Pitching In Isthmian Premier, Cheshunt started their game in hand at Bognor Regis Town knowing that nothing less than a win would do if they were to overtake fifth place Lewes, and a win was exactly what they got.

The last time the two met, the Rocks won one-nil with a goal from Ashton Leigh, and given recent results you might have expected that last night’s Bognor side was better than the troop who turned out in Theobalds Lane back in October, but this Ambers side dug in and delivered, two goals in four minutes midway through the second half doing the damage. Rowan Liburd got the first, his eighteenth goal in thirty matches, and the Rocks hardly had time to refocus before sub Reece Beckles Richards added another. That’s seventeen for the campaign for him.

That result sees the Ambers take a one point advantage over Lewes and Folkestone Invicta, with matches against Haringey Borough, Bishop’s Stortford and Corinthian-Casuals to come. That match with Stortford, who may also need the points to guarantee home play off advantage, may be the one to watch out for.

The Rooks will face Kingstonian, Bognor and Bowers & Pitsea, Invicta have Leatherhead, Margate and Haringey Borough to come.

The Pitching In Isthmian North had a match crucial for both participants, with Felixstowe and Walton United, five points behind fifth place Grays Athletic at start of play, very much needing to win their game in hand; whilst third place Stowmarket Town knew they would jump to second and close to within one point of leaders Aveley if they could win.

The last time they met, Town won two-nil, with goals from Willie Clemons and Luke Brown, and it was Brown who opened the scoring last night, after just eleven minutes, but there the similarities end. Just before the hour Andre Hasanally delivered a home equaliser, and seven minutes from time Billy Holland popped up with a winner, which allows the Seasiders to close to within two points of fifth place. Even a penalty save by James Bradbrook couldn't earn Stow a point.

Stowmarket remain third, but leaders Aveley now have a four point advantage over them with three matches remaining.

Image: Nicholas Flexman

At this point, only Aveley are guaranteed at least a play off place, although it would take a rather unbelievable turnaround to rob Canvey or Stowmarket of at least that prize. Grays Athletic, currently occupying fifth place, seem to be key to the final outcome, as they have fourth place Brentwood Town, second place Canvey Island and seventh place Maldon & Tiptree in their remaining three matches. Felixstowe must also face the Jammers, as well as Bury Town and Coggeshall Town, both of whom have nothing to play for.

As well as that match at Grays on Saturday, Brentwood welcome relegated Romford, and travel to Stowmarket.

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