We reach the penultimate weekend of the football season with plenty of issues still to be resolved, and a good chance that by Easter Monday evening the fate of our teams will be decided or considerably clearer.
HRB Sport will have full coverage across this crucial weekend with our regular Saturday Sport show featuring commentary from the Pakex Stadium then full match coverage of Barnet’s final home game of the season 48 hours later. Regular score updates from all our teams encounters throughout both shows.
The Bees have already started the packed sporting weekend with a hard fought but unsuccessful visit to fifth placed Fylde. The result sees the Lancashire club secure a play off place, but Barnet played a full part in the 1-0 loss after being hampered by the sending off of Dan Sweeney in the first half. The National League leading scorer Danny Rowe had put the hosts ahead on 21 minutes with a 25 yard volley, but Barnet stuck to their task and showed the defensive strength that has characterised the final stages of their campaign.
Boreham Wood also lost out narrowly to a promotion contender in an entertaining match at Meadow Park. Two headed goals had given Salford a comfortable advantage after the first quarter, but Ralston Gabriel pulled one back from the penalty spot and Kieran Murtagh completed the comeback with 20 minutes left. Wood looked the likelier to secure a winner but against the run of play sub Matt Green broke local hearts 2 minutes from the end to keep many people’s pre season favourites in the automatic promotion mix.
Potters Bar know a win will secure top flight football for a second season, although they will achieve this anyway if other results go their way. Visitors Corinthian-Casuals are in the same position which should make for another memorable afternoon and a fitting tribute to the club in the week that Ground Grading C was confirmed.
Wingate & Finchley have a tougher task to avoid the drop after returning to the bottom 3 on goal difference last weekend. The visit of mid table Margate offers hope in what is a must win game ahead of a tricky visit to Haringey on Monday.
Hendon have a 5 point advantage over the relegation group, but with Gosport Borough facing relegated Staines, the visit of Taunton means the Greens have the trickiest task of the threatened clubs. The West Country team can still achieve automatic promotion to add further spice to the occasion.
A tough week for Hadley in what has been a brilliant season saw defeat in the Herts Charity Shield to Colney Heath, Peter Rosemin scoring before Andrew Sears-Black won the game two minutes from time. Biggleswade FC’s win at Harpenden a day later means that barring a remarkable set of results in the final 2 games, the team’s league title challenge is over.
And defeat for London Broncos with Catalan Dragons winning their Super League encounter at Ealing 39-6.
Saracens can reach another Champions Cup Final should they repeat their semi final victory 2 years ago against Munster. Mako Vunipula’s first appearance since January after suffering angle ligament damage in the Six Nations means the Men in Black are at full strength. Captain Brad Barritt has recovered from an ankle injury while Welsh international Liam Williams returns on the wing.
We wish our good friend David Ballheimer a speedy and successful recovery. The medical challenges no doubt paled against the frustration of missing London Skolars visit to Coventry. In his absence, the team won a thrilling match 30-28 with Jordan Williams scoring two of the five tries, and Neil Thorman’s penalty kick the difference.
Coming up on HRB Sport………..
Saturday April 20th
2.30 – 6.30
Presenter: Mel
Bostik Premier Division
Potters Bar Town v Corinthian-Casuals
Pete
Wingate & Finchley v Margate
Paul
Evo-Stik Southern Premier South
Hendon v Taunton Town
Spartan South Midlands Premier
Leverstock Green v Hadley
London Tigers v Edgware Town
European Champions Cup Semi Final
Saracens v Munster (Ricoh Arena)
Easter Sunday April 21st
No show
Easter Monday April 22nd
2.30 -5.00
Live coverage from The Hive
National League
Barnet v Bromley
Garry and Pete
Chesterfield v Boreham WoodBostik Premier Division
Enfield Town v Potters Bar
Alan
Haringey Borough v Wingate & Finchley
Paul
Evo-Stik Southern Premier South
Chesham United v Hendon
HRB Sport 