Separated by a couple of miles and in football terms, one division, Bracknell Town and Binfield require the same result on Saturday in the final games of the 2023/24 season.
The Robins and the Moles need a point to confirm a play-off place and safety with Bracknell gunning for fifth in the Southern League Premier Division South and Binfield hoping to cement 19th in the Isthmian League South Central Division One.
For Bracknell, the late charge has proved worth it, sitting as they do three points clear of Merthyr Town, the team they’ve crow-barred out of the play-off places.
A 2-1 win at champions Chesham United on Saturday puts Jordan Ive’s side in pole positions but goal difference means defeat for the Robins at Hayes & Yeading United and a win for Merthyr Town at home to Harrow Borough would see the Welsh side qualify.
Both opponents are in the relegation zone with Harrow down and Hayes knowing anything less than a win would see them follow.
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At Hill Farm Lane it is a similar equation, but at the opposite end of table.
Ross Weatherstone has performed a minor miracle at the Binfield. Just four points and bottom at Christmas, they now have 33 and could finish has high as 17th in the 21 team division.
The Moles – who will be without Mitchell Parker – host an Uxbridge side who in footballing terms are ‘on the beach’, these days though having watched Alicia Povey’s England beach football efforts we feel very different about that phrase.
Their relegation rivals Chipstead have the tougher task and must be suffering shell shock after the Moles tunnelled their way out of the drop zone. They face a Southall side vying for home advantage in the Isthmian League play-offs.
Hold on to your hats, Saturday, 3pm is going to be a rollercoaster.
