Millers v Blues tops our list- but we’ve crucial matches across our Easter Saturday programme

Saturday brings with it a proper clash of the titans, as leaders Bishop’s Stortford hit the road to take on fourth place- and this week, Cup Winners- Aveley. So close are things at the top that only two points separate the top four, with Stortford two points clear and Hornchurch, Canvey Island and the Millers tied in second to fourth, which of course means that any one of that quartet could be top of the table on Saturday night. The Millers, who have taken twenty six points- no defeats- from their last ten matches, will be buoyant after their Velocity Cup win on Wednesday night, and given they were able to withdraw four of their players just after the hour mark as they were already three-nil up by then shouldn’t be too badly affected by their endeavours. The Blues have two defeats from their last ten but have bounced back to win their last three matches without conceding a goal. Two Frankie Merrifield goals gave them victory the last time the two sides met, almost seven months ago.

Hornchurch, four matches without a win, need to put things right as Billericay Town come to call for an Essex derby. The Urchins are out great entertainers, scorers of ninety one goals so far this season, but their supporters would undoubtedly be happy if they ground out four one-nil wins over the next four, so long as they didn’t have to face the play off’s for the second season in a row. Town have only lost one of their last six, and have been steady rather than scintillating, but have already conceded seven goals to the Urchins in League and County Cup clashes this season.

Canvey Island are top of our ten match form table, unbeaten and having won their last five. The Gulls face a tricky trip to the capital, Kingstonian and Tooting & Mitcham United’s Imperial Fields their destination. The K’s are three points above the bottom four and fighting for every point, and ended Folkestone Invicta’s play off hopes with three points on the Kent coast last weekend. The Gulls defeated the K’s three-nil in October.

Fifth place Enfield Town are on the road to eighth place Horsham, the Hornets looking to make up a six point gap between themselves and their visitors and thrust themselves into a play off spot. It may be a tall order for the hosts to bridge that gap, but they’ve delivered entertainment galore this season and on a good day are a match for anyone in the Division- as Hornchurch found out to their cost last week. The Towners have won the last three meetings between the clubs.

Cray Wanderers, four points away from fifth place, welcome second bottom Corinthian-Casuals. The visitors are hanging on to their Premier Division status by the skin of their teeth, ten points from safety with four games left, and another defeat could mark the end of their top flight stay. Wands are five unbeaten, whilst Casuals are thriving in adversity and have won their last two- but have they left their revival too late?

Hastings United are eight points away from the promised land- although unlike the other play off chasers have fifteen points yet to play for. Their play off chase is unlikely but not impossible, and they’ll be looking to keep it alive as they travel to Potters Bar Town. The Scholars have nothing to play for and probably can’t wait for the season to end, particularly after cup final defeat in midweek- although keeper Louis Chadwick was in sublime form on Wednesday night and might just keep the visitors at bay.

Bowers and Pitsea, three points from safety, know that a win over Bognor Regis Town could see them climb out of the bottom four if neighbours Canvey can do them a favour at Kingstonian. Bowers have found form at just the right time, winning three of their last four, whilst the Rocks have three wins and seven defeats from their last ten- including three of their last four. Bowers have only defeated Bognor once in their last five attempts, and fell two-one at Nyewood Lane in November.

Relegated Brightlingsea Regent have boss Brett Munyard newly reappointed after six weeks away, and he will hope to kick off his second tenure in a positive way as Wingate & Finchley come to call. The visiting Blues are six points clear of the bottom four, but with the sides below them fighting hard for survival won’t believe the job is yet complete- particularly after losing their last four matches. Regent are without a win since January 28th.

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