Hungerford Town v East Thurrock United
Where: Bulpit Lane, RG17 OBE
When
K.O 3PM
Exactly like last season Hungerford’s survival hopes rest on a final day game versus East Thurrock. Last season was a tad different with Thurrock already safe and the game taking place at Rookery Hill. This time the clash commences at Bulpit Lane with only a point needed for the hosts to stay up. Sadly, time has already run out for the visitors. Our Berkshire neighbours Slough Town may also have a say in proceedings as they face Truro City in Cornwall. If Slough avoids defeat they will keep their local rivals up for another year, otherwise all will be decided in Berkshire.

Form guide- East Thurrock recorded a 4-1 win over high flying Welling United on Monday but after losing to a 98th minute goal at St Albans on the Friday it was not enough to keep them in with a shout of survival. Hungerford recorded a late win at Torquay United on bank holiday Monday after a draw with Bath on the Friday to put them in this healthy position. That late winner in Devon relegated Thurrock.

Team news-Ibrahim Diallo misses the match through suspension for the Rocks after being sent off in last weekend’s defeat to St Albans. Ian Herring will have a fully fit squad to choose from apart from left back Matt Jones.

Star man- Striker Sam Higgins scored a brace last weekend and despite not being able to score the goals to keep Thurrock up he will still be the visitor’s main attacking threat on Saturday. Trying to keep Higgins out will be goalkeeper Michael Luyambula who made a string of fine saves against Torquay to keep the Crusaders in the match.

Head to head- The reverse fixture in Essex ended in a 2-1 win for the Rocks. Otherwise the Crusaders have a good record including a 1-0 win away and a 2-2 draw at home last season. In 2016/17 both meetings were won by Hungerford 3-0 and 1-0.