FOUR TO FOLLOW | WEEKEND ACTION

The first weekend of April and things are getting very interesting

We’re into the final straight of the season now in this first weekend of April with crucial clashes taking place throughout our four divisions.

Here is our pick of the action:

HUNGERFORD TOWN v AFC TOTTON | PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER SOUTH
This encounter pits hosts who are desperate to stay on the coat-tails of the play-off places with second-placed opponents who are equally desperate to remain in touch with the League leaders. The home team are seven points off a place in the top five and go into the game with just one defeat from their last four outings. They come up against a side who are nine points adrift of the summit but with a game in hand and have failed to win in their last two outings.

AFC TELFORD UNITED v SPALDING UNITED | PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER CENTRAL
Another encounter where there is plenty to play for. The home team go into the game in second place and are pushing hard for top spot, which has changed hands numerous times in recent weeks. They are just two points adrift as they look to turn draws into victories and build on last weekend’s commanding victory over Barwell. For the visitors, they may be in eighth place right now, but they are very much in the race for the play-offs, just two points off the top five and the back of a 5-0 away win at Lowestoft Town last time out, part of a three-game winning run.

EVESHAM UNITED v EXMOUTH TOWN | PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE SOUTH
The hosts have their sights firmly set on top spot having reduced the deficit to just one point following a successful month of March that saw them scoop the PST Sport Club of the Month award. They have won the last five games in a row as part of a seven-game unbeaten run. They are up against opponents who are battling to not let their season peter out having been part of the top five pretty much throughout. They have slipped to seventh place following just one win from their last six outings, but are still only a point shy of the play-off spots.

LEIGHTON TOWN v THAME UNITED | PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL
The home side have been on a phenomenal run since the turn of the year that has thrust them from the lower reaches of the table to a place on the fringes of the play-off zone. Saturday’s visitors occupy that last play-off spot which they have their eyes on and sit seven points above them, so this is a crucial one if they are to gain further ground. Leighton Town, who claimed the PST Sport Club of the Month accolade for March, have won their last nine games in a row, including four successive clean sheets, whilst Thame United have three clean sheets in a row and are unbeaten in eight games.

We also give special mention to Hertford Town who are attempting to get over 1,000 supporters in for their Pitching In Southern League Division One Central encounter with Flackwell Heath. It is the Birthday wish of club stalwart, John Staines, who turns 93 on Saturday and in order to help him achieve his dream, the club has offered free admission to all. Here’s to a happy day and an entertaining game.

IMAGE: Hungerford Town FC