Will it be commiserations or celebrations for Byron Walton’s relegation haunted Bracknell Town side tomorrow evening?
The last major issue regarding local clubs will be settled this weekend when the Robins visit Taunton in a ‘must-win’ clash as they bid to preserve their British Gas Business League Division 1 South & West status on the final day of the season.
Victory would guarantee survival at the expense of local rivals Slough Town, who sit just a point behind the Robins following their midweek 0-0 draw with Bridgwater, but the Rebels have the unenviable task of a trip to second placed Fleet Town.
Normally that kind of match-up would be cause for calm among Bracknell’s travelling fans, but as has been seen time and again this season, any side can beat anyone – the Rebels were 2-1 victors over Fleet in February, and with Slough’s new manager Derek Sweetman unbeaten in three games, it promises to be a day full of intriguing twists and turns, heartbreak and joy.
Walton has left-winger Gilbert Nuako back from suspension, but captain Neil Baker is rated at 50/50 after his thigh strain flared up during the warm up last week.
Play-off bound Didcot visit Burnham, with the small matter of home advantage in the play-offs to play for.
The Railwaymen will be looking to overhaul Oxford City and Fleet, as a second- placed finish would guarantee them home advantage in both the semi-final and, should they get there, the final of the play-offs.
Thatcham travel to Stag Meadow to face Windsor & Eton. The Blues confirmed goalkeeper Paul Strudley has re-signed next season, and new boss Gary Ackling admitted ‘Struds’ was the first name on his list to convince his future lay at Waterside Park.
Both sides have little to play for other than pride, although Windsor could still mathematically still qualify for the play-offs, but would be relying on defeats for both Uxbridge and Paulton Rovers, and even then would need to win by 12 clear goals.
Maidenhead United will remain a Blue Square South side next season after Weston-Super-Mare were left in the final relegation spot this week.
The Magpies can go to Basingstoke tomorrow in the knowledge their safety is assured, and manager Johnson Hippolyte can begin planning for next season.
Reading Town welcome Bookham to Scours Lane for their penultimate game in the Combined Counties League.
Sandhurst Town entertain Epsom & Ewell at Bottom Meadow.
In the Hellenic League Division 1 East, Binfield host champions Chalfont Wasps in their final game of the season at Stubbs Lane. Wasps have been beaten just twice in the league this season, and Binfield boss Richard Whitty, who has keeper Martin Hutt back in contention, is keen to shock the visitors as he looks to end the season on a high.
Both Henley and Ascot United could claim third spot in the league, but must overcome Kintbury and Thame respectively, and hope other results go their way.
Marlow United travel to Chinnor in their last league game, before facing Frilsham in the semi-final of the Evening Post Senior Cup on Wednesday.