A perfect weekend for Bridges leaves them two points from the title

Three Bridges played their Easter fixtures on Friday and Monday, and it was certainly a good Friday as they defeated Sheppey United two-one, early goals from Ade Adeyinka and Reece Hallard enough to earn three points despite Jack Marsh’s consolation for the Ites after the break. Bridges followed that with a four-nil hammering of Hassocks on Monday, Charlie Bennett, Noel Leighton, Kevin Rivera and Adeyinka ensuring that they go into the last three matches of the season with a eight point advantage at the top. Defeat AFC Whyteleafe on Saturday and the title is theirs- although, in truth, their goal difference advantage over second place Croydon Athletic is so large that a point would surely be enough.

Athletic followed a comfortable three-nil win at Broadbridge Heath on Saturday- Reece Grant, Harvey Kedwell and David Bremang the scorers- with a point against Leafe on Monday as both sides lost ground on the leaders. The Rams have a four point advantage over their green rivals in the battle for second place. 

AFC Whyteleafe fell to defeat against Margate on Saturday, goals from Ibrahim Olutade and Kai Garande delivering a win for the visitors. Gate have been in superb form of late, but their play of hopes look to have been ended by defeat against Herne Bay on Monday- they have fallen seven points away from the top five with only three games remaining. 

Jersey Bulls are fourth, now six points clear of sixth place Faversham Town with three to play. Bulls delivered a comfortable three-nil win over East Grinstead Town on Monday, which followed a four-nil thumping of VCD Athletic on Saturday.

Sittingbourne also defeated East Grinstead over the weekend, three-nil, and followed that with a draw against Merstham on Monday. They hold a four point lead over Faversham Town in the race for a top five spot, and the Lilywhites may find that a step too far, but they haven’t given up yet. They suffered defeat against Ashford United on Saturday but bounced back to hit Sheppey for three on Monday, Kieron Campbell and Tashie-Jay Kwayie (2) the scorers. By the way, the Nuts and Bolts have only one defeat from ten.

At the other end of the table we had already mourned East Grinstead Town’s demise, and it looks almost certain that Beckenham Town and VCD Athletic will join them in the bottom four, both sides nine points away from safety with three to play- and with significantly worse goal differences than anyone ahead of them. 

Becks started the weekend by losing seven-nil against Eastbourne Town on Friday, Oliver Davies, Alfie Rogers and James Waters getting two each, Leon Greig with the other- five of those coming in the first half at Eden Park Avenue. Monday brought a two-one win at Erith Town, which at least saw them regain a little pride. 

Vickers started the weekend with that Jersey Bulls hammering, and ended it with victory at Deal Town, taking three points by scoring the only goal. 

Hassocks are fourth from bottom, three points behind Erith Town with three games to play. The Robins defeated Hastings United with a very late goal on Friday before an expected loss against the leaders, but their difficulty is that their three remaining matches are against Croydon Athletic, Sittingbourne and Ashford United, the first two fighting for their play off spot, the latter in their best form of the campaign. 

Erith did well to win at Herne Bay on Friday, but will be disappointed by that Beckenham defeat on Monday. They face Merstham and Margate on the road, before ending the campaign at home to Broadbridge Heath. 

Hastings United are four points clear of the bottom four with three to play, That defeat to Hassocks on Good Friday was followed by another against Ashford United on Monday, and if they remain safe it may be more due to luck than their own efforts. With four defeats from five they’ve picked a terrible time to lose their way- and they have Broadbridge Heath, Herne Bay and Jersey Bulls to come.