Stoke ensure the Swans can't relax

With one match left until the end of the season, Pitching In Isthmian South Central leaders Walton & Hersham are still unable to relax, as once again their lead was cut to goal difference.

Basingstoke Town had a difficult match yesterday, travelling to the Channel Islands to take on a Guernsey side who certainly weren't prepared to roll over despite having nothing left to play for. Twice Stoke went ahead, and twice the Green Lions roared right back at them, before a winner twenty minutes from time finally sealed three points for the visitors.

It looked as if it would be a relaxing afternoon for the travelling fans (some of whom are pictured) when D'andre Brown put their side ahead with a strike which went in off the post after just four minutes, but it proved to be anything but. Sam Murray levelled for the hosts little more than ten minutes later, but it took only ten minutes more for Brad Wilson to restore Town's advantage.

Midway through the second half, Ross Allen did what he does best, taking the ball on his chest before firing home an equaliser. Two hundred and eighty four goals for the Green Lions in three hundred matches is beyond phenomenal, and perhaps Stoke should have been expecting it- but it didn't matter as just six minutes later they found the winner, Paul Hodges managing to lob the ball over home keeper Josh Addison and ensuring that Saturday will be tense and exciting for the top two.

Walton & Hersham travel to face Thatcham Town on the last day. The Kingfishers have had a fine second half to the season and should be no pushovers; something the Swans will know rather well, as they had to come from two down to win when the sides last met in November. Basingstoke Town are at home, South Park Reigate their visitors. The Sparks are four unbeaten and have defeated top five sides Marlow and Northwood during the last two weeks, so are unlikely to turn up and roll over- and were beaten only by one goal to nil the last time the sides met.

Walton win and they will be champions- unless Stoke do something mathematically unlikely, as their goal difference is inferior by eleven goals. But the slightest of slips, and who knows what might happen? it all makes for a thrilling finale.

The best of luck to both sides- whichever team triumphs will be worthy champions.

Image courtesy of Basingstoke Town.

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