Renegades ready to pounce if Rangers slip

11:56am Friday 25th April 2008

Long time leaders Steeple Ashton Rangers need three points from their remaining three matches to be certain of being crowned champions in their first season in the league, but with Riverside Renegades breathing down their necks their know they can't afford any slip-ups as the Bradfordians are waiting to seize any chance they may get.

On paper Nathan Holloway's Steeple Ashton should pick up the points required, but nothing will be straightforward and Sunday's match at St Mary's against Chippenham United RAOB is one that might just cause them a few problems.

The hosts, who have not played for a couple of weeks since they beat Corsham United 6-0, welcome Richard Thorne's side who are unbeaten in four and who go into the game on the back of a fine 3-2 victory over Trowbridge Town Supporters' Club, thanks to goals from Will Symans (2) and Martin Riddle.

When the sides met way back in early September the points were shared in a 1-1 draw, with Lee Mounty scoring for Steeple Ashton and Rob Walker netting for United.

Steeple Ashton would happily settle for another point at this stage of proceedings just as long as they didn't lose, but they will be eager to keep their unbeaten run going and will be bidding to claim a 15th straight victory to move them closer to the crown.

The match should be a good one and could see United upset the odds, but, with home advantage and with so much to play for, Steeple Ashton should have what it takes to collect maximum points with a very tight victory, possibly by the odd goal in a high scoring game.

Riverside Renegades v Old Road Tavern

RIVERSIDE Renegades are hot on the heels of Steeple Ashton and in recent weeks have narrowed the gap on them to just two points and are still very much in the race for the number one spot.

The Renegades entertain Old Road Tavern at St Laurence School, Bradford and, just like the leaders, they will be expected to defeat the Tavern and send them home to Chippenham empty handed.

But again just like Ashton, Riverside might just underestimate their opponents, who have won three of their last four games and who are looking as if they are capable of causing a surprise.

Nick Alexander scored all four of the Old Road's goals in their 4-2 success over Kings Arms last weekend so they will still be buzzing when they arrive in Bradford.

Riverside, under the guidance of Lance Davis, have lost just one of their last 10 outings but even though they have played many teams higher that their guests, who are in 11th place in the standings, and have won with ease, they might not have met one with more determination for a while.

When the sides got together in February goals from player-manager Davis, Ricky Montacute and Ashley Styles earned Riverside a 3-1 success and, even though Riverside are tipped to win for a second time, they are going to find things a lot harder than they could have imagined things would be as Old Road, under the direction of Bernie Court, look to complete their season on a high with a ninth win of the season that could see them move up into ninth place.

Old Road might not take both points, but a draw is on the cards and although it would put a dent in Riverside's hopes of finishing top of the pile it wouldn't completely end them.

AFC Lyneham v North Star B

BOTTOM of the table AFC Lyneham will more than fancy their chances of finishing the season on a high when they entertain near neighbours North Star B at their Goatacre pitch.

North Star have already beaten their hosts 5-1, thanks to goals from Shane Minnis, Simon Clifford and Dan Allison (3), in November's win and it would come as a surprise if the Star didn't beat Lyneham for a second time.

However Jason Raven's side defeated Wanderers 4-3 in their last match to claim their first win of the season and, with the bit between their teeth and playing a Star side in disarray, they will have a realistic chance of completing their season with another victory.

For whatever reasons the Star have lost some of their sparkle and having lost three games on the trot Lyneham will be ready to make the most of their opportunity and may even go into the game with a slight edge and could even start as favourites to take the spoils.

A lot will depend on what players or how many the Star can actually put out for a match they will be glad to see the back of as it means that they just have three left to play before they can bring the curtain down on a season that turned into a farce after promising so much in the early days.

The result will be a lot closer that the one back in October and if the Star do win it would almost certainly see them finish the season, but should they lose they may just throw the towel in with if they did would throw the division into turmoil.

Whatever the outcome, it is hoped that North Star will see out the remainder of the season.

Kings Arms (Market Lavington) v Three Crowns United

KINGS Arms and Three Crowns United go into their penultimate match of the campaign on the back of defeats last Sunday.

Chippenham-based Three Crowns, who can still finish in third spot, need to bounce back from their defeat against Somerford which was their first loss in nine matches, but a trip to the Northbrook might not be as easy as one would expect it too be, even if Kings Arms did suffer a 4-2 defeat against Old Road Tavern at the weekend.

In December, the Kings Arms edged a seven goal thriller 4-3, thanks to goals from Mark Torr, Julian Fielding and Steven Foord (2), with Kelvin Page, Martin Beech and Paul Maddox scoring for the Three Crowns.

But this is now and even though Tony Beasley's Three Crowns side might be a little deflated after their loss against Somerford, they should have it in them to bounce straight back and pick up the two points that will move them from fifth place up into third spot and it would be a huge shock if they didn't manage a win.

Beasley will be hoping that Paul Maddox can keep his good run of form going in front of goal and that he can add to his 15 goals to date. Mike Cassidy and Marcus Young had also been hitting the target before last weekend so Beasley will be looking to the pairing to get back on the score sheet sooner rather than later and guide his team to a 12th win of the season.

Kings Arms can't be ruled out and as long as they have got Steven Foord, who has 22 goals to date, in their starting line-up they have a chance of getting something from a game that should be won by the Three Crowns.