2 weeks Ago
The Blues knew only victory over derby rivals and tenants Baldock Town would matter if they were to have a chance of snatching the final play-off place. And they did that, winning 2-1, but unfortunately for them, Wormley Rovers got a 5-2 victory at FC Romania to keep them three points ahead in the final standings. Arlesey had the perfect start, taking the lead on 20 minutes through Joe Sellers-West but Baldock came back with 10 minutes remaining, Jamie Pors-Fazakerley sending the keeper the wrong way.
However, Arlesey snatched the win not long after, a free-kick was saved by Lucas Duanhauer but Hamza Miezou was quickest to the rebound. Arlesey finish the season in sixth while Baldock end 14th. Baldock have also announced the man to replace Dave McAdam as manager, and it is a familiar face to the Reds.
Rob Bates was in charge of the club between June 2020 and December 2021 and has opted to come back for a second crack at the cherry. Another club on the lookout for a new manager is Stotfold after Paul Donnelly announced he would be stepping down at the end of this season. Rob Parkin, chairman of the Southern League Division One Central side, said: "Along with his management team, Paul has worked tirelessly throughout and has, again, successfully secured our status as a step four club.
"In his time with us, he has developed a blended team of youth and experience, setting a solid foundation for the new incumbent to further develop. "It has been a pleasure working with Paul and I, and all at the club, thank him for his unstinted efforts in everything he has done, both on and off the field." The Eagles had two games over the weekend, starting with an topsy-turvy 4-3 loss to Biggleswade.
The visitors took the lead on 32 minutes through Lawrie Marsh but Stotfold were level four minutes when Remell Stirling slotted it past the keeper. A Temilola Akinbusoye penalty on the stoke of half-time was added to by Rafal Wielbald, four minutes after the restart. A deflected shot from Haroon Meriai gave them hope but Biggleswade stretched the lead again on 64 minutes through former Stevenage defender Kymani Skyers.
Stotfold had the last word eight minutes from time when Stirling got his brace but there would be no equaliser. Easter Monday's game at Leverstock Green saw the in trouble hosts grab a vital 2-0 win, meaning if they win their final game at AFC Dunstable, they will survive their first season at the level. Stotfold's year ends on Saturday when they host Flackwell Heath.
Hitchin Town complete their relegation season in Premier Division Central with a trip to Redditch United. They had opened the Easter weekend on Good Friday with a 4-1 loss away to Alvechurch, Lewis Franklin with the consolation, before the final game of the year at Top Field ended in a 2-1 loss to champions-elect Bedford Town. Ed Panter had put Bedford in front only for Jacob Hutchinson to level three minutes into the second half.
However, Leon Lobjoit won it for the visitors with 16 minutes remaining. Back in the Spartan South Midlands League, Letchworth Eagles finished their year with a 2-2 draw at Royston Town Res. Luke Baranowski and Austin Christie got the goals to leave them 12th.
In Division Two, Codicote lost 4-1 to Totternhoe with Aaron Maddison on target..
