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Saturday's Blue Square South Preview

Hampton & Richmond and AFC Wimbledon square off on Saturday afternoon in a match which could decide who lifts the Blue Square South title.

The Dons need a victory to secure the title, while the Beavers can draw level with the league leaders if they claim the three-point haul.

Dons manager Terry Brown insists that his side will go in search of the three points as opposed to playing for a point.

Brown told Your Local Guardian: "I think it would be fatal for us to go there and attempt to play for a draw.

"We are going to go all out for a win. If you go all out to win and end up with a draw, that is far more acceptable than aiming to keep things tight.

"We are aware of Hampton's strengths, and we know we will have to compete for everything in the air.

"They are extremely dangerous at set pieces, and they get a lot of them. They are very experienced and have some decent players.

"It will be a great occasion. Both sides know exactly what they need to do, and will be going for it.

"But the pressure is on Hampton as they have to win and we don't - and that counts in our favour."

Beavers boss Alan Devonshire would like to see both clubs promoted as he believes they both deserve it after a long, hard campaign.

He said: "The league doesn't lie. The top two teams are there for a reason and should be considered the best to go up a level.

"I'm a great believer in the top two going up no matter what. if you have to have play-offs they should be between a third-placed team playing the third worst team from the league above or something like that.

"It would be fantastic for the area to have two clubs going up. Hayes are up there as well and it looks like Kingstonian are going to win their league which is great for football around here."

Eastleigh are not out of the running in terms of the league title, but it is going to take a mammoth effort starting with Worcester City on Saturday.

The Spitfires currently lie five points behind the Dons with two games left to play and will need other results to go their way if they are to sneak in the back door and claim the coveted trophy.

City are safe from relegation and will be looking to blood a few youngsters in the remaining matches as they build for next season.

Thurrock simply have to beat Newport County if they are to avoid the drop.

The Fleet are currently five points adrift of safety and a defeat over the weekend will almost guarantee their relegation.

Much also hinges on Dorchester's trip to Bognor Regis Town for the Fleet. The Magpies can just about guarantee their safety with a victory, meaning Thurrock would be staring relegation in the face.

Chelmsford can secure their place in the play-offs when they travel to Bath City.

The Clarets need a point to make sure they have a shot at promotion, while Bath City are looking to end the season on a high.

Maidenhead United will be hoping that Chelmsford fail to claim the three-points as they are also still in the hunt for the play-offs.

United travel to Basingstoke six points behind the Clarets, so a victory is a must if they are to realise their dreams.

Saturday's fixtures in full:

Basingstoke v Maidenhead United

Bath City v Chelmsford

Bishops Stortford v Havant and Waterlooville

Bognor Regis Town v Dorchester

Bromley v Team Bath

Eastleigh v Worcester City

Fisher v Hayes & Yeading

Hampton & Richmond v AFC Wimbledon

Newport County v Thurrock

St Albans v Braintree Town

Weston-Super-Mare v Welling United

Posted: Friday , April 17, 2009

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i see stevenage push the boat out and gave us all of 300 extra tickets. you would considering there a... MORE >>

By oufc1986 on Thu, 11th March 10

Blue Square Premier Standings
BlueSq Premier Standings
1 Stevenage Borough 69
2 Oxford United 67
3 Luton Town 61
4 Rushden & Diamonds 59
5 Kettering Town 58
6 York City 57
7 AFC Wimbledon 54
8 Mansfield Town 52
9 Crawley Town 52
10 Kidderminster Harriers 48
Full standings
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