With the dust still settling on a thrilling weekend of non-league football in Berkshire, attentions now turn to the midweek fixtures. With plenty still to be decided here is your guide to the games that have something riding on them this midweek.
Tuesday 30th April
Hilltop vs Burnham – Combined Counties Premier Division North
After losing to Wokingham & Emmbrook on Saturday, Burnham fell to sixth in the Combined Counties Premier Division North and out of the playoff places. With their rivals having completed all their fixtures, the Blues have the opportunity to regain the final playoff place spot when they travel to Holloways Park to face Hilltop in their final game of the season. If Burnham win they will finish 5th and travel to Rayners Lane in the playoff semi-final, but if they draw or lose that honour goes to Holyport, who leapfrogged Burnham on Saturday with a win at Ardley United.
Eversley & California vs Molesey – Combined Counties Division One
Eversley & California are in a three-way race for the final two playoff places in the Combined Counties Division One. One of the other teams in the race is Molesey, the side they welcome to the ESA Ground on Tuesday night, meaning the fixture could become a straight shootout for playoffs. This is the final league game for both sides and Boars are two points ahead of their visitors meaning a win or a draw will see them confirm their place in the playoffs, but a loss will see Molesey leapfrog Eversley in the standings. The other team in the race is Rising Ballers Kensington, who are nine points behind Eversely but have three games to play, meaning the loser of Tuesday’s fixture could have a nervous wait to see if they make the playoffs while Kensington finish their games.
Reading City vs Abbey Rangers – Southern Combination Challenge Cup
Reading City have already confirmed their place in the Combined Counties Premier Division North playoffs, but before their game against Bedfont Sports on Saturday, the Citizens face Abbey Rangers in the quarter final of the Southern Combination Challenge Cup on Tuesday night. This fixture was originally scheduled for February, but as with many games this season the weather has forced a postponement. The winner of the tie will travel to face Camberley Town in the semi-final.
Wednesday 1st May
AFC Totten vs Bracknell Town – Southern League Premier South Playoff semi-final
After securing a fifth place finish with a dramatic draw against Hayes & Yeading United on Saturday, Bracknell Town are now 180 minutes away from Step 2 football. If they are to make it to the National League South next season the Robins will have to do it the hard way as their final league position means their playoff semi-final and any potential final will be away from home. Their semi-final opponents are AFC Totton who finished the season in second place and last lost at home on 6th January. If Bracknell are victorious they will face either Salisbury or Gosport Borough in the final.
Wokingham & Emmbrook vs Bedfont – Cherry Red Records Premier Challenge Cup
With Step 5 football next season secured, Wokingham & Emmbrook can turn their attention to the Premier Challenge Cup where they host Bedfont on Wednesday. Bedfont are currently 12th in the Combined Counties Division One and could do Eversley & California a favour when they play Rising Ballers Kensington in their final league game on Monday night. The Sumas also have to complete their league season on Monday night when they host Hilltop. The winner will face Virginia Water in the quarter-final.
