The Skrill Conference Premier season’s curtain falls with a full complement of fixtures kicking off at the later time of 5:30, and at either end of the table there is still plenty to play for, for a handful of teams.
Luton have already been crowned champions, and they round off a successful campaign away at bottom-of-the-table Hyde, with a great chance of breaking the 100-point barrier and being the first to do so since Fleetwood in 2011/12. Hyde have had a record-breaking season; their 10 points lower than Leigh RMI’s in 2004/05.
Cambridge United have confirmed their second position, and their opponents Gateshead could be their opponents in the play-off semi-finals, should the league remain as is. The other semi-final will be contested between two of Grimsby, Halifax, Gateshead or Braintree, depending on how results go on the day. Grimsby know that if they don’t take maximum points at Braintree, there’s a chance they won’t finish in third, and will have to play their second play-off semi-final away from home.
At the other end, Chester’s game against Salisbury will be live on BT Sport as the Seals fight against the drop. So long as they better Hereford’s result at Aldershot they’ll survive, and the Bulls lost against the Shots back in September.
Elsewhere, the rest of the clubs between 7th and 19th are playing for pride, but although Aldershot are not quite out of the woods, it’d take a 28-goal swing to relegate them.
Nuneaton stand to gain the most ground, and could, with a big enough swing, jump as many of four places in the table if they beat Dartford, who of course are already relegated. Above them, Lincoln host Barnet, Woking travel to Tamworth and Forest Green host Wrexham.
Halifax’s conquerors Southport, fresh from their relegation-avoidance on Bank Holiday Monday, will finish with a trip to Welling. Finally, Alfreton, having been beaten by Hereford on Monday, will host Macclesfield and could leapfrog Barnet into eighth.
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