PREVIEW: AFC Sudbury vs Redbridge (Ryman North 3pm)


AFC Sudbury play their final regular league match this afternoon, as they host Redbridge, looking to be confirmed with a play-off position.

AFC need at least one point from this afternoon's clash to be confirmed as reaching the play-offs. However, if they were to lose both games, they would be still likely to finish in the play-offs, due to their high goal-difference.

Because of Brentwood's midweek defeat to Barkingside, it means AFC remain 3rd going into today's match on 86 points, with their opponents sitting in 22nd - second from bottom - on 42 points.

AFC go into today's match on the back of a 4-1 victory at Waltham Abbey last weekend, and will play their final regular-season fixture next week as they travel to Soham Town Rangers.

Redbridge will need to win their last two games to stand a chance of surviving relegation to Step 9.

Earlier Meetings, this season:
The two sides have met three times this season. The two sides drew 1-1 at Redbridge in the FA Cup (September), with AFC winning the home replay 3-2. The earlier league fixture saw AFC run out 2-0 winners at Oakside.

Team News:
Sudbury manager Jamie Godbold has a full squad to choose from for today's game, with Jamie Baker expected to make his 200th apperance for the Yellows today, if selected.

Events for Supporters:
The Club Luncheon starts at 12.30pm, with Danny Laws in attendance as the guest speaker. The Supporters' Player of the Year will be announced this afternoon, with voting closing at 2pm. The AFC supporters bus will run again this afternoon, for one final time.

Ryman North play-off picture:
  • All teams who could finish in the play-offs
    • Needham (guaranteed at least a play-off place)
    • Harlow (guaranteed at least a play-off place)
    • Sudbury
    • Brentwood
    • Thurrock
    • Dereham
    • Wroxham
    • Brightlingsea
  • AFC Sudbury will be guaranteed a play-off place if they get at least a draw today.
  • Brentwood will be guaranteed a play-off place if Dereham win and Wroxham lose
  • Thurrock will be guaranteed a play-off place if they win, Dereham win, and Wroxham lose.
  • Even if Sudbury lose their two remaining games, they are still likely to finish in  the top 6, depending on results, because of their high goal difference
  • It is head-to-head at the top of the table, with Needham (1st) and Harlow (2nd) seperated by a single point, with two games to go. If Needham beat Harlow in the top-of-the-table clash, it would mean Needham would be champions, with a game to go.  
  • In terms of relegation, Barkingside will be relegated if they lose, and either one of Redbridge or Romford win. However, it could go to the final day if Barkingside win, and Redbridge and Romford both lose.
Mobile users are adviced to turn to device landscape for the table:

#

Pld
GD
Pts
Form
1.
Needham M (v Harlow)
44
55
100
WDDLW
2.
Harlow (@ Needham)
44
49
99
WWLWW
3.
AFC Sudbury (v Redbridge)
44
33
86
WLWLW
4.
Brentwood (v Chatham)
44
22
84
LLWWW
5.
Thurrock (v Waltham)
44
46
81
WWWDW
6.
Dereham (@ Maldon)
44
21
80
WDWWW
7.
Wroxham (v Aveley)
44
40
78
DLDWD
8.
Brightlingsea R (@ Wakering)
44
27
76
LLWWW