Why St Albans City’s trip to Concord Rangers could be pivotal
Clovis Kamdjo celebrates his winner for St Albans City against East Thurrock United. Picture: JIM STANDEN - Credit: Archant
St Albans City kept their National League South play-off aspirations alive with a dramatic winner against East Thurrock United on Good Friday – but with two games to go will it be enough to take the Saints into the post-season fixtures?
Liam Sole's late effort strikes Steve Sheehan. Picture: JIM STANDEN - Credit: Archant
The busy Easter period always has a huge impact to the final standings of the league table but with it landing on the penultimate weekend, that statement carries even more weight.
Clovis Kamdjo in action for St Albans City against East Thurrock United. Picture: JIM STANDEN - Credit: Archant
The first round of fixtures, spread over both Good Friday and Easter Saturday, haven’t made a definitive difference but the Easter Monday fixtures certainly will.
Lewis Knight in action for St Albans City against East Thurrock United. Picture: JIM STANDEN - Credit: Archant
And with eighth-placed St Albans travelling to seventh-place Concord Rangers, the fate of City’s dreams depend on both that result and a couple more elsewhere.
Sam Merson in action for St Albans City against East Thurrock United. Picture: JIM STANDEN - Credit: Archant
The simple facts are this.
Tom Bender hits a free-kick in to the East Thurrock wall. Picture: JIM STANDEN - Credit: Archant
If Saints lose to Concord, and both Bath City and Billericay Town win, then that’s it, St Albans won’t be able to finish in the top seven because of Concord’s much superior goal difference.
Michael Clark looks for a way past the East Thurrock defence. Picture: LEIGH PAGE - Credit: Archant
However, the polar opposite alternative is also available.
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That says a win for Saints, coupled with defeats for Bath and Billericay, and City are guaranteed to be involved after next Saturday.
That is because Bath and Billericay face each other on the final day.
A draw does little for City’s hopes other than ensure something is riding on their final game of the season at home to champions Torquay United.
There are plenty of other permutations and a number of other sides capable of having a say but we will have to wait until the smoke clears at around 5pm for those to be considered.
One thing is certain. Another late winner at Thames Road would be most welcome.
As it stands (Sunday, Apr 21):
5.Bath City Pts 65, GD +19
6.Billericay Town Pts 65 GD +10
7.Concord Rangers Pts 64 GD +19
8.St Albans City Pts 64 GD +8
