PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE | WEEKEND PREVIEW

Clubs to pay their respects to Anthony Hughes

Clubs will be observing a minute of silence or applause ahead of their games this weekend in memory of Southern League Chairman, Anthony Hughes, who sadly passed away earlier this week.

Our pick of the action is, as follows.

AFC TOTTON v GOSPORT BOROUGH | PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER SOUTH
Fifth plays host to fourth as these local rivals battle it out. The hosts go into the game on the back of successive 1-0 victories in their last two outings as they could to enjoy life at the higher level following promotion at the end of last term. Meanwhile Gosport will be looking to bounce back from their 4-3 defeat at Bracknell Town last weekend as they succumbed to two stoppage time goals to make it three League games without a win.

ST. IVES TOWN v NEEDHAM MARKET | PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER CENTRAL
Fresh from successive 5-0 League wins, including last weekend’s at high-flying Mickleover, the latest challenge for St. Ives comes in the shape of Needham Market who have lost just twice in their 22 League outings. They have conceded just one goal in their last five games and will be tested to the limit by opponents who can boast 18 goals from their last four League games. An intriguing encounter is in prospect here.

EVESHAM UNITED v BEMERTON HEATH HARLEQUINS | PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE SOUTH
Two teams vying for a place in the play-offs and separated by just a single point battle it out. The home side are four League games unbeaten and have built some momentum in recent months, whilst Bemerton are keen to get back on track following consecutive 3-0 defeats in their last two outings, at the hands of Yate Town and Frome Town, as they look to continue their solid start to life at this level.

CIRENCESTER TOWN v WALTHAM ABBEY | PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL
This is a top five battle that is sure to be hard-fought. The hosts will be eager to get back out there and respond to their home reverse at the hands of Kidlington in their last game, They currently hold the final play-off place but there are a cluster of teams close behind them. For Waltham Abbey, they have won just once in their last five outings and as such they too will be wary of the chasing pack as they go into the game in fourth place.

IMAGE: Craig Hobbs Photography