Welcome to another quick blog as we approach the end of the regular Conference season. After yesterday's pre-match analysis via a guest blog, came a game full of drama.
Traffic congestion, late arrival, late kick off, then goals and controversy galore. For an accurate report see; http://toogoodtogodown.wordpress.com/2014/04/19/match-report-alfreton-town-3-grimsby-town-3/
Almost 24 hours later and I still can't believe Kempson wasn't dismissed; I counted 4 bookable offences and a professional foul :-(
Talking of the guest blog, I was asked to point out that it is noted that not all Town fans are pessimistic - it is easy to get carried out away by post-game message board hysteria, and the key matter now is can we make the playoffs, and then can we obtain the final promotion slot!
Anyway, where does this leave GTFC in the final few days? Easy, a win may be enough, 2 wins will be!
The 3 most VITAL games are; GTFC v Hyde, Barnet v Braintree and Braintree v GTFC.
First, the Mariners' home tie against already relegated Hyde on Easter Monday. Three points would take us to 77points with one to play. A draw takes us to 75, which could see us out of the play-offs on goal difference come final day. (at that point the Macclesfield: Gateshead result could be pivotal, likewise Southport;Halifax.)
Shortly after that game finishes (subject to it kicking-off on time at 3pm!), GAME #2: Barnet host Braintree (5.15 K.O. live on BT Sport I believe). That game could be crucial - should Town win (and they really should do), then only a Braintree win be enough to take it to the season finale, which is against Braintree!
Halifax have 3 games left and probably need 2 wins; they also have the best goal difference. So, whilst the Shaymen's result today will affect matters, I'll stick my neck out and say currently, it is looking like; Cambridge and probably Halifax, with any 2 of Gateshead, the Mariners and Braintree. Mathematically, you can't quite write off Kiddy yet, but their final game is away to Halifax, and only 2 wins will do for Kidderminster. Even they may not make it.
A nervy end of the season, and picking up only one point from the Dartford, Halifax and Alfreton games has left us still yet to secure a playoff place, but we never do these things the straightforward way.......
UTM!