Sam’s Section: Hellenic Division One a must watch as play-off and survival battles commence
A new week and a new Sam’s Section as this time around I take a look at a must watch weekend in the Hellenic League Division One.
The race for the play-offs really heat up as a couple of shootout matches take place on Saturday whilst a battle at the bottom of the table occurs.
Either Shortwood United (7th) and Stonehouse Town (6th) could jump into the play-offs with both sides sat on 43 points and just two off the promotion spots.
But it’ll be a tough ask for both sides who respectively face off with the top two of the Hellenic Div One.
Shortwood have drawn the short straw and face league leaders, Droitwich Spa who will be looking to extend their lead at the top to seven points.
Shortwood have won just three of their last 10 games in all competitions but in their most recent league game blew Wellington away 8-2 and will be hoping to build on that.
Stonehouse face off with second placed, Abingdon United, who will be looking to close the gap on Droitwich at the top.
The Magpies will be full of confidence and are in pole position to take that play-offs spot heading into the game on a nine game unbeaten, winning four straight and yet to taste defeat in 2025.
But Abingdon match that record in the league going unbeaten in nine Hellenic Div One games, dating right back early December.
Both sides movement up the league also depends on the outcome of FC Stratford (4th) versus Clanfield 85 (5th) as they will be hoping for the visitors to drop the points.
Droitwich Spa v Shortwood United (King George V Ground, Saturday February 22nd, kick off 3pm)
Abingdon United v Stonehouse Town (The Northcourt, Saturday February 22nd, kick off 3pm)
Now down at the bottom of the Hellenic Div One Cheltenham Saracens (15th) could open up a comfortable eight point cushion on the drop zone with a win over fellow strugglers Southam United.
Saracens have hit a grey path of form in recent weeks earning an unwanted four game winless streak.
They’ve also struggled in front of goal in that time scoring just two goals and failing to score in each of their last two games.
But Southam do head into this fixture off the back of 17 straight defeats which sees the side occupy the foot of the Hellenic Div One table.
Their last win came back on October 5th and since then have already met Saracens who ran out 3-0 winners back in December.
Cheltenham Saracens v Southam United (Petersfield Park, Saturday February 22nd, kick off 3pm)
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READ MORE: Check out the list of fixtures in and around Gloucestershire this Saturday right here
