Chalfont St Peter 2
Ruislip Manor 1
Chalfont won their penultimate match of the season against neighbours Ruislip Manor with an injury-time winner – something of a novelty as most late goals this season have gone against them.
They are now assured of at least a seventh place finish in their first season in the Spartan Premier League after moving across from Ryman Division Two where they were eighth last year.
However, the Saints can go better than that if they draw or win against struggling Holmer Green in their final game on Saturday, April 28 at Mill Meadow.
They will be sixth if they draw – on goal difference if Oxhey beat Ruislip – and fifth if they win and Leverstock Green can only draw or lose against St Margaretsbury.
However, Holmer Green with their Premier status at stake will certainly be no pushover. It should be an intriguing clash.
Against Ruislip on Saturday, the Saints fell behind to a fifth-minute goal when Terry Gibbs took advantage of an error in defence to beat Michael Power-Simpson.
It was soon all-square after Barry Brosnan reacted quickest to a loose ball in the area and rifled in a shot which went in off the underside of the bar.
The remainder af the first half was well contested with both sides having several shots deflected wide by hard working defenders.
The second period was also very even, with good opportunities missed at both ends.
Just when it looked as if each team would have to settle for a point, Chalfont stole them all at the death when Bradley Bubb scored from a second rebound after Brosnan’s shot was originally blocked.
Chalfont St Peter: Power-Simpson, Nott-Macaire (Francis 71 mins), Louth, Paxton, Griffiths, Goddard (Deely 84 mins), Brosnan, Hedley, Lewis, Bubb, Okimo. Subs. Walsh, Sylvester Carroll.
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