What’s needed? End of season rundown as Ascot United and Binfield aim to beat the drop

The season’s end is fast drawing near, but there’s plenty still to play for across the National League South, Isthmian League and Southern League for six Berkshire sides.

Step Two

Maidenhead United (National League South)

The Magpies showed their promotion credentials with a superb 2-0 victory over league leaders Dorking Wanderers at York Road on Saturday. They are unlikely to unseat the Surrey club from the top of the table, but will want to finish as high in the division as possible to ensure the easiest playoff path possible.

Aim: Play-offs

Important Fixture(s): A season ending finsiher against playoff rivals Hornchurch on Saturday April 25th could be a dress rehearsal for the playoffs.

Slough Town (National League South)

A playoff push is unlikely, as is being drawn into a relegation battle. Midtable beckons. Another season at Step Two level is almost certain for Slough.

Aim: Consolidation

Important Fixture(s): A SLClasico against local rivals Maidenhead United on Good Friday is the stand-out fixture for Slough. A chance to earn some local pride and to disrupt the Magpies’ promotion push.

Step Three

Bracknell Town (Southern League Premier South)

The Robins endured a dreadful start to the season under two different managers before the club settled on a third in Carl Davies. There was a potential for a very unlikely playoff push for a few weeks, but most Bracknell fans will be pleased with safety and another season at Step 3.

Aim: Consolidation

Important Fixture(s): A Bank Holiday Monday trip to Farnham Town will see the Robins reunite with some familiar faces, Seb Bowerman amongst them.

Hungerford Town (Southern League Premier South)

Hungerford Town sit just inside the relegation spots and are running out of time to secure their status at this level. On the positive side their run-in could look at lot worse (they don’t face anyone inside the current top seven during their run in).

Aim: Safety

Important Fixture(s): An away trip to bottom of the table Tiverton Town on Saturday 28th March and a home tie against fellow relegation battlers Dorchester Town on 18th April looks like Hungerford’s best chance for points.

Step Four

Binfield (Isthmian League Central)

Binfield are just outside of the relegation zone ahead of local rivals Ascot United but will probably require a couple more wins to ensure safety at Step 4.

Aim: Safety

Important Fixture(s): The Moles don’t play any of their relegation rivals during the run in. Perhaps a few games against safe midtable clubs will offer them an opportunity for a few points.

Ascot United (Isthmian League Central)

Ascot United are in the relegation zone and staring relegation in the face. They are a few points behind Binfield, but do have already relegated Fareham to play as well as second bottom Horndean.

Aim: Safety

Important Fixture(s): Bottom club Fareham visit the Racecourse Ground on Saturday 4th April. Surely a must-win game.