Bank Holiday Monday and it’s fair to say that there has been a lot going on across all four of our divisions!
In the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central, the title is now a two-horse race. Bedford Town currently lead the way after they battled out a 2-1 win at already-relegated Hitchin Town. Ed Panter put them ahead just before the half-hour mark only for Jacob Hutchinson to level early in the second half. The win game with quarter-of-an-hour to go from leading scorer, Leon Lobjoit, who has enjoyed a superb season in front of goal.
Also being made to work extremely hard for their three points were Kettering Town who got a 1-0 triumph at bottom of the table, Biggleswade Town, thanks to Jonny Edwards’ goal ten minutes from time. They are three points adrift but with a better goal difference going into the final weekend.
Already guaranteed a play-off spot are AFC Telford United and Halesowen Town and they both met at The Grove where the spoils were shared in a 1-1 draw. Dylan Allen-Hadley gave the away team a 20th minute lead which was cancelled out early in the second period by Kieren Donnelly in front of a crowd of just under 2,500.
It means that just one play-off spot is up for grabs and there are four teams in the running for it. Harborough Town currently hold fifth place. They had a Luis Rose goal to thank for beating Barwell, who go into the final weekend of the season occupying the one relegation spot that is yet to be confirmed.
Spalding United and Stamford are two of the other teams still in contention for a top five finish and they met this afternoon with Spalding securing a commanding 5-0 win thanks to goals from Dan Lawlor, James Clifton, Jack Roberts and a brace from Joseph Nyahwema. Also in the hunt are Stratford Town who beat Alvechurch 3-0 with goals from Jack Storer and Charlie Williams, who hit a brace. However, this game finished early with three people requiring hospital treatment with youngster, Isaac Godwin, stretchered off for the visitors early in the second half followed by Jack Storer from the home team later in the game and Godwin’s grandfather who collapsed in the crowd. We wish all three a speedy recovery.
Four teams are still involved in the battle to avoid the one remaining relegation place. We have already heard how Barwell suffered a narrow defeat and it is they who currently sit fourth bottom. Just above them are Redditch United who were well beaten by four goals to nil at Banbury United, for whom Connor Ferguson scored twice alongside goals from Connor Stanley and George Ball, all in the first half.
Meanwhile Bishop’s Stortford went down to a 1-0 home reverse at the hands of AFC Sudbury, who are now safe following Ryan Henshaw’s winner. St. Ives Town are still looking over their shoulders have playing out a goalless draw at Royston Town.
Elsewhere there was a much-appreciated clean sheet for Lowestoft Town as they played out an entertaining stalemate with Leiston, whilst in the final game to be played at the War Memorial Ground in its current guide, Stourbridge were victorious over local rivals, Bromsgrove Sporting courtesy of a 4-2 victory. Tyrone Barnett put them ahead only for James Meddows and Aaron Roberts to turn the scoreline on its head by half-time. After the break, Ethan Freemantle scored twice before Barnett rounded things off to give the Glassboys the three points.
IMAGE: Bedford Town FC
Most clubs are looking for volunteers. Find out more on the button below:
www.PitchingInVolunteers.co.ukAll the news and results in one place.
REGISTER