41 games down, one to go and it just might prove one of the most significant in Town’s history as the curtain comes down this weekend on the Evo-Stik League season.
The Peacocks travel to Basingstoke Town tomorrow (27th April) knowing that if they win and leaders Weymouth fail to claim three points against Farnborough then the Southern Premier South title will be heading to the Viridor Stadium. The Terras hold a one point lead over Town going into the final set of fixtures and still remain favourites to clinch the crown, having home advantage against 7th placed Farnborough who were in the mix for a Play-Off place themselves until last weekend. After four straight wins going into April Weymouth have gleaned just two points from their last three fixtures whilst Town have recorded three successive wins to help erode the gap which stood at eight points a fortnight ago.
However, the result in Dorset will be academic should the Peacocks fail to gain victory over Basingstoke who will sadly be playing their final game at the Camrose Stadium, their home since 1946, which is being sold for residential development. The Dragons lie in 17th position and are one of several sides still not mathematically safe from finishing in the last relegation berth to accompany Frome Town and Staines Town in exiting the division. Recent form has been somewhat up and down, with three wins, two draws and five losses from their last ten league matches but they are undefeated in their last six home games in which they have netted 24 times and certainly know where the net is, having banged in 80 goals during the season, bettered only by the top four sides and Harrow Borough. Ironically the earlier encounter between the sides ended in a goalless draw at the Viridor in September but both teams will have that extra incentive to go one better tomorrow for differing reasons. Whatever happens in Hampshire tomorrow though, the Peacocks can be immensely proud of their first ever season at Southern Premier level as they are guaranteed to finish at least second which would ensure home advantage in both the semi-final and final of the Play-Offs which begin this coming Wednesday.
Ben Adelsbury returns to the fold after being away, the only addition to an otherwise unchanged squad from Monday’s dramatic win over Merthyr. Head of Football Rob Dray commented: ”So tomorrow sees us try and finish the job that we started eight months ago. The important thing is that we keep our side of the bargain and win, the boys are confident and can’t wait for tomorrow to come. The last few weeks have typified this league and shows that we are THE team in the league not to write off. I’m immensely proud of the boys for what we have achieved and tomorrow we have one last go and make no mistake we will have a proper go.”
Peacock supporters travelling to the match are reminded that fans will be segregated with entry to the ground for away supporters being through gates 3 and 4.
The two sides shared the points earlier in the season.
Matchday information
Ground: The Camrose, Western Way, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG22 6EZ
Admission: Adults £12, Concessions £8, U16’s Free