Well we haven't had a meaningful one for a couple of seasons now and its unfortunately not in our hands any more but a Sittingbourne result of any type should do it as if we cant beat Crawley Down then we don't deserve to be there anyway!
What are the chances then of a sittingbourne favour?
Form
Over the last 8 matches Sittingbourne have the 6th best current form in the league however Burgess Hill are 5th!
However over 8 games Sittingbourne are only 16th best home form whilst Burgess Hill also drop to 12th best away form....
Goalscorers
Joe Taylor of sittingbourne has 20 goals and Pat Harding of Burgess Hill is on the same..
League Position
Sittingbourne are currently 12th which is the highest position they have been all season, rising up slowly throughout the season
Burgess Hill are currently 5th and have been rising steadily since being down as low as 16th after 17 games
Overall its probably more balanced than you would initially imagine but Burgess Hill have a real reason to win where-as Sittingbourne just have pride and a desire to win for their fans, hopefully that will be the case!
The fact that a draw in this game SHOULD be enough gives us a reason to hold out decent hope and thankfully the point deducted shouldn't make any real difference as would only come into play i gather if we were to draw and Burgess hill lose ( if this was the case then only a 12-0 loss for burgess hill would still give us the 5th spot on goal difference! )
In a nutshell we need to smash CDG just to have a enjoyable last game at home then sacrifice some animals and pray for a s Sittingbourne result!
Anyone who has seen the Sittingbourne manager home and away this season will know he is a 'sandwich short of a picnic' but certainly has an incredible desire to win. Hopefully he will have his boys well up for the fight. And perhaps Jono Richardson could do us and his old mates a massive favour. Always rated that boy
The Thurrock thing happened a while after the last game though, at the time there was nothing to play for and only later did we know that we could have stayed up.
This season we do know what has to happen however in advance of the game and this week is going to feel like forever!!
I spoke to my friend at Sittingbourne and believe me they are up for this. They want to set the record straight after an early season drubbing by BHT .
Good shout Pat, they lost 7-1 last month, their heaviest defeat since 1999. That makes me feel a bit better and im sure the Sittingbourne manager will give them a little reminder in his pre match chat.
The Thurrock thing happened a while after the last game though, at the time there was nothing to play for and only later did we know that we could have stayed up.
This season we do know what has to happen however in advance of the game and this week is going to feel like forever!!
Think the date of this article will confirm your post Dan. I still think they were dealt a harsh blow.
Didn't realise it was only a month ago John. Still - my understanding is that they are determined to put the record straight. They have also been in decent form since.
The hearing did, but it was known what they had done before the season finished so a points deduction was always likely. Its never harsh because if you play an ineligible player you shouldn't benefit. Doesn't matter what level it is. But issues like this should soon become a thing of the past, when the central registration system comes in
In fact - I've just read the Sittingbourne web site. They have only lost once in the nine games since that game and have been scoring a lot of goals. 8 in the last two games albeit 5 against Crawley Down.
-- Edited by Pat on Tuesday 22nd of April 2014 07:28:25 PM
What a fantastic idea Bert! I think Pat made claims he has a mate in Sittingbourne, so how about Pat goes and keeps us updated throughout the day. We should also send some fans to Merstham, just in case Burgess Hill and ourselves slip up, whilst Dan and Barry should fly to Guernsey on Friday to spy on our possible play off opposition.
What a fantastic idea Bert! I think Pat made claims he has a mate in Sittingbourne, so how about Pat goes and keeps us updated throughout the day. We should also send some fans to Merstham, just in case Burgess Hill and ourselves slip up, whilst Dan and Barry should fly to Guernsey on Friday to spy on our possible play off opposition.
Thanks John, can you make the first steps/moves to make this possible ?
From the Burgess Hill website. Would be nice and refreshing to see a similar rallying call from Terry ahead of Saturday's fixture.
It's a massive game for the club on Saturday, the players have done really well to give themselves the opportunity to get into the play-offs but we know it is going to be a difficult game at Sittingbourne.
We know Sittingbourne will be right up for it and all we ask of our players is to go and give it everything and have no regrets. With so many fixtures recently every player in and around the squad have come in and played there part, we have had are ups and downs but apart from runaway title winners Peacehaven so have everybody else in the league.
This season we have played some excellent football at times but some of the better results have been when we have not played well but grounded results out. Sometimes the pitch dictates a little how you play especially if confidence is a little low players will naturally play a little more direct, you can't always have loads of passes in your own halve when it's bobbling around.
Whatever happens Saturday this has been one of the club's best seasons at this level and that shouldn't be forgotten It's been a testing season for me and my coaching staff because of the number of back dated fixtures and injuries we haven't really had a settled side all season.
Lastly congratulations to Ash,Tony and Neil it's been another fantastic season for the youth team.
Thanks to all the club supporters who have followed us this year, it's much appreciated.
What a great statement from the Burgess Hill manager to rally his team and Supporters and to thank them for a good season.Would be equally good to get similar from Utd,perhaps one will be in the Observer this week and on forum to thank all for their support during a very difficult season.
I think a little less conversation is called for!
No Lenny I didn't but we are going to try Thursday or Friday evening, I think Friday would be best, as the pitch will be ready for Saturday? is that about right?
Re these terrible Elvis puns that should not be allowed I would just like to say with "Amazing Grace" "Alright, okay, you win". Although the final game is "Always on my mind" I think it's time to say "C'mon Everybody" "Doncha think it's time" that "Any day now" lets "Build a bridge over troubled waters".
Like Simon Rudkings sometimes said: ‘’All I need was the rain’’. No it is no ‘’beginners luck’’ how the shape of the pitch is although there are sometimes ‘’big boots’’ on it ! For me ‘’I can’t help falling in love’’ with this beautiful club. And for Saturday: there is a lot of ‘’confidence’’ to make things happen but ‘’ don’t ask me why’’ .It would be a ‘’ fairytale’’ if we can make it to the Play Offs and then ‘’to find out what’s happening ‘’.’’Run on’’ will be shouted and then ‘’a good rocking tonight’’. And that’s we all hope: ‘’A happy ending’’. Eating some lovely ‘’ hot dogs ‘’ and dreaming over ‘’a hundred years from now’’. I ‘’believe’’ and i ‘’can’t help’’ it but I ‘’need someone to lean’’ on Mr. Dave Walters. It ‘’is no secret’’ and’’ it won’t be long’’ but please ‘’let me be the one’’ said ChrisB. But a lot of supporters replied with’’ let us pray’’. Windy told us about his ‘’ memories’’ and Pat replied with I am ‘’ mister songman’’ ! Dan told us about his’’ mystery train’’ to London and JohnW was telling everyone ‘’only the strong survive’’. Lenny was saying over en over again’’ you are the reason I am living’’ and Liam was having’’ young dreams’’. And for now: ‘’you gotta stop ‘’!
-- Edited by BertNEC on Thursday 24th of April 2014 01:44:25 PM
So , here we are ! The '' Final Day '' of the season but let's hope it is not !
Hope you all have a great game against a team that didn't perform that bad in this season in the year 2013.
They played 22 games and got 28 points, scoring 34 goals and conceded 45.
But this year it is terrible with Maggsy team; played so far 23 games and got only 5 points ( drew 2 and a away win against Walton ) scored 17 but conceded 93 (!), Losses with 11-0 against Guernsey,10-0 against Peachehaven, a few times 5-0 and a 6-2 defeat against us on march 18 with Frankie hitting the net 3 times.
So i think we can expect a big effort from Terry's team and my prediction is 7-1.
Come on your U's ! Buy a programme and got £1 off a alcoholic pint / bottle at the bar after the games final whistle. Once again: Enjoy the match and support the team !
I assume that before todays game Player of the season and Goal of the season will be announced.
I just wondered is Trevor Mccreadie's goal still in the reckoning for goal of the season as he has left the club and if so who would pick up the award for him?
Personally I think that Danny Ellis's winning goal against Burgess Hill was the best, not in so much that it was the best goal but the most Important Goal of the season, as without that goal we would already be out of the play off contention.
Leatherhead FC has been deducted six by points by the Ryman League for a registration irregularity.
Under Rule 6.9, the Club has been deducted the points gained from the matches concerned in the Ryman League South Division following a meeting of the Ryman League’s Board of Directors and announced today (Saturday).
The decision and penalty was accepted by Leatherhead who informed their supporters and players in a statement issued at 1.30pm as the divisional league table currently showing was simultaneously updated.
Next week’s play-off semi-finals are unaffected with the arrangements based on the league placings after the final round of fixtures are played. As it stands, Folkestone Invicta are confirmed as runners-up and Leatherhead FC in third place.
In a statement issued by Leatherhead FC, Chairman Peter Ashdown said: "We had a fair hearing, we accept the decision and we move on with our season."
No further comment will be made by the Ryman League in relation to this matter.
Leatherhead FC has been deducted six by points by the Ryman League for a registration irregularity.
Under Rule 6.9, the Club has been deducted the points gained from the matches concerned in the Ryman League South Division following a meeting of the Ryman League’s Board of Directors and announced today (Saturday).
The decision and penalty was accepted by Leatherhead who informed their supporters and players in a statement issued at 1.30pm as the divisional league table currently showing was simultaneously updated.
Next week’s play-off semi-finals are unaffected with the arrangements based on the league placings after the final round of fixtures are played. As it stands, Folkestone Invicta are confirmed as runners-up and Leatherhead FC in third place.
In a statement issued by Leatherhead FC, Chairman Peter Ashdown said: "We had a fair hearing, we accept the decision and we move on with our season."
No further comment will be made by the Ryman League in relation to this matter.
On the Leatherhead website:
RYMAN SOUTH PLAY OFFS Leatherhead FC were recently called to attend a Disciplinary Hearing held by the Ryman League, and found guilty of playing an ineligible player, Joe Oberstellar, in games earlier this season. As a result we have been punished with a six point deduction, under League Rule 6.9, being those points gained in the four matches Obersteller played for the club, against Eastbourne Town (A), Hastings Utd (A), Herne Bay (H) and Corinthian Casuals (A). Following this deduction we finish the season in 3rd position in the league, and play GUERNSEY at Home on Tuesday 29 April 2014 in the Play Off Semi Final. We were unable to announce the decision until today, due to a Ryman League directive, preventing any clubs from gaining any perceived advantage as a result of the points deduction. We considered an appeal to the FA, but after careful consideration have decided to accept the decision, and focus our energy on beating Guernsey on Tuesday. We have suffered a terrible few months following the floods at Christmas, which in many ways has brought the club closer together. This was the very last thing we expected or needed but I urge you all to get behind the team, at the end of an extraordinarily long and tiring season, for one last effort, to help Richard Brady and the players into the Premier Division.
Peter Ashdown (CHAIRMAN Leatherhead FC) 26 April 2014
Leatherhead FC has been deducted six by points by the Ryman League for a registration irregularity.
Under Rule 6.9, the Club has been deducted the points gained from the matches concerned in the Ryman League South Division following a meeting of the Ryman League’s Board of Directors and announced today (Saturday).
The decision and penalty was accepted by Leatherhead who informed their supporters and players in a statement issued at 1.30pm as the divisional league table currently showing was simultaneously updated.
Next week’s play-off semi-finals are unaffected with the arrangements based on the league placings after the final round of fixtures are played. As it stands, Folkestone Invicta are confirmed as runners-up and Leatherhead FC in third place.
In a statement issued by Leatherhead FC, Chairman Peter Ashdown said: "We had a fair hearing, we accept the decision and we move on with our season."
No further comment will be made by the Ryman League in relation to this matter.
RYMAN SOUTH PLAY OFFS
Leatherhead FC were recently called to attend a Disciplinary Hearing held by the Ryman League, and found guilty of playing an ineligible player, Joe Oberstellar, in games earlier this season. As a result we have been punished with a six point deduction, under League Rule 6.9, being those points gained in the four matches Obersteller played for the club, against Eastbourne Town (A), Hastings Utd (A), Herne Bay (H) and Corinthian Casuals (A). Following this deduction we finish the season in 3rd position in the league, and play GUERNSEY at Home on Tuesday 29 April 2014 in the Play Off Semi Final.
We were unable to announce the decision until today, due to a Ryman League directive, preventing any clubs from gaining any perceived advantage as a result of the points deduction. We considered an appeal to the FA, but after careful consideration have decided to accept the decision, and focus our energy on beating Guernsey on Tuesday.
We have suffered a terrible few months following the floods at Christmas, which in many ways has brought the club closer together. This was the very last thing we expected or needed but I urge you all to get behind the team, at the end of an extraordinarily long and tiring season, for one last effort, to help Richard Brady and the players into the Premier Division.
Peter Ashdown (CHAIRMAN Leatherhead FC) 26 April 2014
I agree Hamilton that we stand a better chance against Folkestone and - given mid-week travel - a better chance of bringing more supporters to the game. Who knows what now after all these twists and turns. I'm sure though that the football gods have yet to have their last laugh.........
An incredible final day, you couldn't make that up! Great to see the celebrations when Sittingbourne scored. Almost 500 there today. We shouldn't be in this league.
Can't wait for Tuesday.
I'll let others comment on that 1st half miss . . .