Late goal hits Seasiders play off hopes

Felixstowe and Walton United face three matches this week as they attempt to end the campaign in a play off spot- and it looked like the week was going to have a positive start as they held a lead heading into the penultimate minute against East Thurrock United last night, only for a late Rocks equaliser to spoil the party.

The visiting Rocks knew they were safe from involvement in drama at either end of the table, and were in poor form, having lost six of their last seven matches and taken only one point from the last twenty one available to them. That said, they didn't arrive at the AGL Arena ready to roll over, and it took the hosts until the fifty fourth minute to open their account, Charlie Warren with the goal. Soon afterwards the visitors were awarded a penalty, but they couldn't take advantage of that opportunity, Callum Robinson pulling off a save, and with only a minute to go it looked as if the Seasiders had held on for three points. Jesse Olukolu, however, had other ideas, and fired a shot goalwards, the ball deflecting past Robinson to earn the visitors a point.

Felixstowe find themselves three points behind the sides in fourth and fifth place, Heybridge Swifts and Grays Athletic, and have a game in hand, which they will play at Witham Town on Wednesday evening. Win that, and with their superior goal difference they will climb to fourth- however there is a twist in the tail. On Saturday Heybridge Swifts travel to Felixstowe in a match that, rather obviously, they can't both win. Grays Athletic welcome bottom side Hullbridge Sports, Athletic secure in the knowledge that if they triumph they will definitely occupy one of the play off spots, which means that one of Felixstowe or Swifts would miss out.

It all makes for an enthralling North Division week.

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