It's been a while since my last post on this blog, this being due to various reasons, mainly exams at uni, which are now out of the way. As a result, I can turn my attention to todays absolutely massive play off semi finals between Wealdstone and Concord Rangers, and Lowestoft and East Thurrock. The past few weeks have been somewhat rocky, particularly for Lowestoft, earning a hard fought draw at Wealdstone before heading to lowly Wingate and Finchley and losing 3-2. Concord Rangers have picked up since their lull in form earlier in the Month, before drawing 0-0 with Leiston on the last game of the season. East Thurrock, the surprise package of this seasons play offs, have done remarkably well to get themselves into the position that they are in. Following a 2-0 home defeat to Wealdstone at the end of January, East Thurrock found themselves mid-table. Since then, they remained unbeaten until the last game of the season away to Whitehawk, to sneak ahead of favourites Bury and Margate to steal the final play off spot. Personally, I think they are the team to avoid in the play offs, and I would tip them to topple a tired and depleted Lowestoft side.
Travelling to the East coast on a Wednesday night to face a strong Lowestoft side is by no means an easy feat, however given the recent form of the sides and the momentum heading into this semi final, I think this game may be closer than the table suggests. With Lowestoft missing top goalscorer Jack Defty due to a broken leg, goals have been somewhat hard to come by for the Trawlerboys. When taking this into account with East Thurrocks impressive defensive record, goals may be hard to come by in this encounter. E. Thurrock man Sam Higgins will definitely be one to watch for the Lowestoft backline, and I think he may influence the final result. My prediction for this game is a cagey 2-1 win for East Thurrock after extra time. As a Stones fan, I am very cautious in choosing a preferred opponent should Wealdstone make the final. However, due to the home advantage and the recent form against both sides, I would have to say I would rather play East Thurrock in the final, IF the Stones make it that far.
Onto the big one as far as I'm concerned! Wealdstone v Concord Rangers. What a mouthwatering tie given both the league positions of the two sides and the events that took place just a month ago when they clashed at the Vale, with Wealdstone stealing 2 last gasp goals to win the game 2-1 when, in truth, they had been completely outplayed by 10 men for the majority of the game. I cannot even find the words to describe how excited I am for this encounter, which should be played infront of a lively, volatile but hopefully respectful bumper crowd. Wealdstone are missing two key players in the creative Tom Pett, who scored the second in injury time in the last game between the sides, and Scott McCubbin, who has proved to be a bright spark in the Stones midfield over the last few games. Concord however, are missing one of their main players in Nicky Cowley, who is suspended following 10 bookings. This game really should be end to end stuff played in a rather aggressive manner, which has the potential to be a great advert for non league football. Unfortunately, despite my optimism throughout the season, I am very fearful of a Concord side who will be more than fired up for the occasion. My prediction for this game is a 2-0 Concord win. TOUCH WOOD I am wrong!!!
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