Chesham face tough test to book play-off spot

Apr 26 2012 By Guy Martin

CHESHAM United’s Andy Leese admits he had hoped to have a play-off place guaranteed prior to this weekend’s final game at Leamington.

The Generals boss (pictured) thought the home victory over Frome Town on Saturday would have been enough. But Stourbridge are proving a tough team to shake off. Their 2-1 victory at AFC Totton has meant the race for a top five finish will be down to the wire.

A win at Leamington on Saturday would be enough to secure a play-off spot, but a point could be enough if results elsewhere go their way.

But the Brakes have lost just twice at The New Windmill ground all season and Leese knows his side face a tough test of their promotion credentials.

“It will be a massive game again. I didn’t really want to go to Leamington and have to get anything, but c’est la vie,” said Leese.

The win over Frome followed defeat the previous week at Barwell and a draw at home to St Albans, but Leese believes his players have shown this season they could not only reach the Blue Square South, but compete at the higher level.

“If we do make the play-offs, it will be a fantastic achievement,” he said. “We looked like doing it last year and then it slipped away at the end. To repeat the performance again and get more points on the board than we did last season, is remarkable consistency.

“It would be great for the players and the club.

“We’re a good unit here. We’ve got a side that’s capable of playing at the next level, but we’ve got to get there first.”

● Chesham are organising an additional supporters coach to Leamington on Saturday. It will leave The Meadow at noon.

Trust members £8, non-members £10, under-16s £4. To book your seat, email srturner005@sky.com.