Monday April 6
FIRST DIVISION
AFC Greenwich Borough 2-0 Tooting Bec
Banstead Athletic 1-0 Lewisham Borough
Bridon Ropes 3-2 SC Thamesmead
Chessington & Hook 1-3 Croydon
Greenways 4-1 FC Elmstead
Lordswood 2-0 Halls AFC
Lydd Town 1-2 Staplehurst Monarchs
SE Dons 0-0 Rochester United
Sheppey Sports 4-2 Welling Town
Easter Monday delivered another huge twist in what is turning into a properly dramatic run-in – and now it really is game on at both ends.
At the top, there was frustration for SE Dons, who were held to a 0-0 draw by Rochester United. It keeps them top, but now just by a single point – and suddenly that cushion looks very thin. Rochester, meanwhile, look set for third, but they’ve at least had their say in how this title race plays out.
AFC Greenwich Borough were the big winners at the summit. Their 2-0 victory over Tooting Bec, secured by Tom McNamee (53’) and an Oghosa Williams penalty (80’), moves them to within a point of the top with a game in hand. That’s about as strong a position as you can ask for at this stage – the title is very much in their hands now.
In the play-off race, Croydon took a huge step with a 3-1 win at Chessington & Hook. Alfie Eldridge (1’), Tom Barton (13’) and Charlie Dale (80’) did the damage, putting them nine points clear of sixth – you can start dusting off the play-off plans. George Martin (56’) replied for Chessy, but they remain bottom and now 11 points from safety. Time’s just about up.
Lordswood also strengthened their grip on a top-five place with a 2-0 win over Halls AFC. Thomas Davey (67’) and Jonathan Harris (83’) got the goals as they sit firmly in 4th and looking solid.
Greenways threw themselves back into the conversation in emphatic style, thrashing FC Elmstead 4-1. Joe Thomas was the star again with a hat-trick (1’, 13’ pen, 46’), with Aston Freeman (45’) also on the scoresheet. Perez Goumou (29’) briefly gave Elmstead hope, but this result likely ends their play-off push.
At the bottom, it’s survival scrap chaos. Banstead Athletic made it back-to-back wins with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Lewisham Borough, Maddox Talboys converting a 90+2’ penalty. That’s massive for Banstead, while Lewisham are dragged straight back into trouble.
Bridon Ropes pulled themselves out of the drop zone with a huge 3-2 win over SC Thamesmead. Yedidja Kossi (4’), Jordan Samuel (14’) and Anselme Daho (77’) gave them the edge, despite goals from Kai Lambert (45+4’) and George Dennis (68’ pen). That’s a result that could prove season-defining.
Lydd Town are now nervously looking over their shoulder after a 2-1 home defeat to Staplehurst Monarchs. Morgan Davidge (14’) and Jerome Lee (67’) put the visitors in control before Tyler Sterling (84’) gave Lydd late hope. Staplehurst, up to 8th, are finishing strongly.
At the bottom end, it’s looking bleak for Welling Town after a 4-2 defeat at Sheppey Sports. Jack O’Neill (3’) set the tone early, and Frankie Maciocia stole the show with a hat-trick (52’ pen, 70’, 88’ pen). Euan O’Neil (7’) and Kieron Smith (90+2’) replied, but it’s not enough – Welling now look destined for the drop. Sheppey, meanwhile, climb to 9th and enjoying a strong finish.
So here we are. One point between the top two. Play-off places almost nearly locked in. And at the bottom? Absolute mayhem, with teams clawing for every inch.
A few games left… and still plenty of twists to come.