Pitching In Isthmian South Central Supporters predictions 2020-21: The Outcome

As we witness every summer, it’s rather difficult to predict the outcome of a league season. No matter how much you study form, look at the squads, wonder how much importance you can give to pre-season results, and try to predict your own team somewhere around fifth place (it looks as if around 80% of respondents do this, as if they don’t want to tempt fate by going higher!), there are so many variables that you won’t be able to factor in that getting it right is well-nigh impossible.

So, keeping all that in mind, let’s take a look at how you think the South Central Division will end.

Let’s start with Bracknell Town. The Robins ended last season as our form side, with their most recent League defeat coming as far back as 7th December. You certainly haven’t forgotten that, as you’ve decided that you expect them to go on and be champions- indeed, only two of our correspondents placed them outside the top two.

Ware, who were six points clear at the top when the campaign came to an end, are in second place in your predicted table, whilst Hanwell Town, who behind Ware albeit with two matches in hand, have been placed fourth. Who comes in between them? Tooting and Mitcham United, that’s who- although their chances may depend on how many of their side depart for a professional career before the campaign comes to an end, if last season is anything to go by.

You expect the final place in the playoffs to be taken by Westfield, so obviously you’re not too concerned by the changes in playing personnel at Woking Park since the end of last season.

Now, let’s look at the other end. Remember, due to pyramid restructuring, nobody will be automatically relegated. Instead, the bottom side will host a playoff match against a second placed side from Step Five for the right to remain in the Pitching In Isthmian League. You’ve suggested that the side who will be playing host will be FC Romania- although it must be said that a collection of the votes came in prior to the Wolves announcement of additional funding, so perhaps if we were to ask the question again the outcome might be different. You placed Hertford Town and Northwood just above the basement, with only a hairs breadth between them.

Our opening day South Central Division fixtures look like this:

Barking vs Marlow
Bracknell Town vs Chipstead
Chalfont St Peter vs Ashford Town (Middx)
Chertsey Town vs Uxbridge
Hanwell Town vs Bedfont Sports
Harlow Town vs FC Romania
Staines Town vs Ware
Tooting & Mitcham United vs Hertford Town
Waltham Abbey vs South Park
Westfield vs Northwood

For probably the only time this season we won’t be previewing the matches, as there’s little we can say about form that will make much sense! But please head along. Make sure you’ve got face coverings for the areas that are appropriate, be as cash-free as possible, and be prepared to register for track and trace purposes- many of our clubs are using the evePASS app, available on Apple and Android mobile phones.

Have a wonderful season!