Saturday April 18

 

FIRST DIVISION

AFC Greenwich Borough 4-0 Lydd Town

Bridon Ropes 2-2 Staplehurst Monarchs

Chessington & Hook 2-3 Lewisham Borough

Greenways 2-1 Welling Town

Halls AFC 2-2 Banstead Athletic

Lordswood 1-2 Croydon

SC Thamesmead 1-0 Rochester United

SE Dons 2-1 FC Elmstead

Tooting Bec 1-4 Sheppey Sports

 

The penultimate Saturday delivered exactly what you’d expect at this stage of the season – big wins, big pressure, and a table that’s now almost fully shaped.

At the top, both title contenders stood firm. AFC Greenwich Borough were ruthless in a 4-0 win over Lydd Town, racing into control through Abel Vendrells (3’), Stefan Payne (11’) and Joe Taylor (30’) before Oghosa Williams (59’) wrapped it up. They remain just a point behind SE Dons, but crucially with a game in hand.

The Dons responded as expected, edging past FC Elmstead 2-1 thanks to Andre Coker (11’) and Joshua Bohui (47’), with Issac Hadlow (57’) pulling one back. It keeps them just ahead, but the pressure isn’t going anywhere.

In the race for the play-offs, Croydon got the job done in style with a 2-1 win at Lordswood. Cameron Macmillan struck twice (52’, 61’) to seal their place, cancelling out Thomas Davey’s earlier penalty (31’). That’s a statement result heading into the play-offs, while Lordswood now turn their attention to securing 4th.

Rochester United’s momentum took a hit with a 1-0 defeat at SC Thamesmead, Chris Loko’s early goal (6’) proving decisive. It doesn’t change Rochester’s position, but it’s not ideal preparation for what’s to come. Thamesmead, meanwhile, climb into the top ten.

At the bottom, the picture is now clear. Lydd Town’s heavy defeat confirms they will finish third from bottom and face relegation.

Lewisham Borough secured survival with a huge 3-2 win at Chessington & Hook. Bryan Zepo (49’, 71’) and Alberto Garcia (65’) turned the game around after early and late strikes from Frankie Ryan-Maynard (13’) and Boe Fowler (90+2’). It’s a massive result that seals their status.

Bridon Ropes also did enough, drawing 2-2 with Staplehurst Monarchs. Yedidja Kossi struck twice early (15’, 22’), but Steve Karkari responded with a brace of penalties (29’, 51’). The point is enough to confirm Bridon’s safety.

Banstead Athletic join them in staying up after a 2-2 draw at Halls AFC. Jay Andrews (42’) and Sam Haughey (45’ pen) had Banstead ahead, but Ryan Golding (18’) and a dramatic late equaliser from Ben Martin (90+9’) ensured a share of the spoils.

Elsewhere, Greenways signed off strongly with a 2-1 win over Welling Town. Joe Thomas (46’) and Aston Freeman (90+1’) secured it after Euan O’Neil (75’) had levelled. Welling, though, are confirmed to finish in the bottom two.

And finally, Sheppey Sports produced one of the standout results of the day with a 4-1 win at Tooting Bec. Seye Okunola gave Tooting an early lead (4’), but Sheppey ran riot through Jesse Kuteyi (57’), a David Latunde brace (59’, 76’) and Louie Belsham (83’). Tooting are safe, but it was a reminder there’s still work to do before their upcoming cup final.

So, heading into the final round:
Title race: Still wide open.
Play-offs: Locked in.
Relegation: Bottom three decided.

One week to go. No hiding now.

 

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