Saturday's Central Division action review

By David Watters

The EVO-STIK League Southern Division One Central title race isn`t over yet but Royston Town ensured Farnborough remained seventeen points behind them with a game in hand after the two sides drew a 3-3 on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

In front of a crowd of 312 at the Rushmoor Community Stadium, Josh Castiglione gave the visiting Crows a 17th minute lead that the recently returned Scott Donnelly cancelled out on the half-hour mark. Curtis Osano then put Boro ahead five minutes before the break, only for the leaders to equalise 10 minutes into the second period through Ryan Ingrey.

Perry Coles restored Boro`s advantage in the 70th minute, and that looked like giving the title race fresh impetus – until Scott Bridges popped up with the Crows leveller three minutes into stoppage time.

The race for a top five spot looks to be between Barton Rovers, AFC Dunstable and Marlow, who currently occupy the play-off places, and Egham Town and Kempston Rovers, who are both three points adrift.

Potters Bar Town`s hopes have almost gone after they were held 1-1 at home by Beaconsfield SYCOB, whose Aaron Berry cancelled out Callum Mapley`s 24th minute penalty in the 56th minute.

Barton saw off Kidlington 4-2 at Sharpenhoe Road, with goals from recent recruit Scott Sinclair in the 34th and 85th minutes and Steve Gentle and Elliot Bailey in between – Lewis Coyle and Anaclet Odhiambo replying.

Dunstable beat Hanwell Town 1-0 at Creasey Park, thanks to a goal two minutes from time by BJ Christie while Marlow lost 2-0 at home to second-bottom Histon, Max York after 21 minutes and Jake Chambers-Shaw from the spot just before the hour mark the targetmen.

Egham could have done with all three points at the New Eyrie against Bedford Town but had to be content with one after Elliott Carey levelled Jemale McKenzie-Lowe`s 58th minute opener 10 minutes later.

Kempston`s game at Chalfont St Peter was abandoned in stoppage time at the end of the game after a serious injury to the Saints` Adam Kirby. The outcome of the league`s decision on the fixture could be crucial as Kempston were 2-1 down at the time.

Petersfield Town`s tenure in the Southern League is up after a 1-0 defeat at third-bottom Aylesbury FC sealed the bottom side`s fate, Ruddock Yala`s 17th minute goal giving the Moles an eight point advantage over second-bottom Histon.

Arlesey Town are level on points with Aylesbury after earning a vital 1-0 win at home against Fleet Town, courtesy of a 25th minute Kim Forsythe effort.

Elsewhere, Lea Coulter gave Aylesbury United an 11th minute lead at Thame against Ashford Town (Middx), who levelled within two minutes through Mark Bitmead and then won it nine minutes from time with a Russell Canderton goal.

Uxbridge went nap at home to neighbours Northwood with five different marksmen – Matty Woods, Abobaker Eisa and Jo-Jo Bates in the first half and then Jay O`Connell and Anthony Thomas in the second.

Follow the EVO-STIK League Southern on Twitter at @SouthernLeague1

Where next?

Chalfont St Peter vs Kempston Rovers Following the abandonment of the Division One Central fixture on Saturday, the League's Board has considered the matter.
Dragons are running out of options EVO-STIK League Southern Basingstoke Town have gone back to the drawing board to find a new home and secure their long-term future after their local authority blocked their final hopes for a new stadium.

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