Veterans League
Preview of the Veterans 10-Man League Divisions 1 & 2 fixtures for Tuesday 5 September
The phrase 'Squeaky Bum Time' was attributed to the former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson who coined it, I think, as a reference to the sound of someone shifting restlessly on plastic seating during tense closing stages of a contest or it may have had more basic undertones as well. More simply put, the phrase is used to describe a tense climax, especially in a sporting event. That certainly applies to the Veterans League Division 2 promotion scramble this season.
The table above shows all the remaining Division 2 fixtures for the current top four teams. Leading the way is Netherton Con 'A' who have a 13-points lead over the chasing pack but have played a match more than two of those contenders. It is clear that they fully deserve to lead the way and their current form - only one defeat in their last 11 matches - also favours them. Two of their last 3 fixtures are at home where they have lost only once all season. It would take something unexpected to stop the Netherton team from claiming the title and something quite extraordinary to rob them of a promotion place.
Lindley Lib's hold on the 2nd promotion spot at present seems to be the most precarious as they have played one more match than either of their two main rivals to retain that place. In addition 2 of their remaining 3 fixtures are away from home and their away form is poor having lost their last 8 matches on the road.
Shepley look favourites to take the 2nd promotion place at present, level on points with Lindley Lib 'A' but with a game in hand and no top 4 opponent to negotiate past. That leaves Lindley BC 'A' who will play 3 of their remaining 4 fixtures at home where only the Division 2 leaders have beaten them all season. However, their one remaining away match is at those same table toppers, Netherton Con. All things digested it points strongly to Netherton Con taking the title with Shepley getting promoted with them.
Elsewhere in Division 2 this looks like the perfect opportunity for Linthwaite Hall to put distance between themselves and the four places threatened with relegation should the League go ahead with their rebalancing of the divisions and relegate four teams this year. The Hall have a home match against bottom-of-the-table Hemplow 'A' whilst their two main rivals in avoiding the drop are both away from home at top three opponents. If they don't take full advantage of this upcoming moment then I would worry for them.
Golcar Lib 'A' need 9 more points to secure a second successive Division 1 title but they will do well to complete that this week as they host second-placed Lowerhouses. Marsh United 'A' look to be the best bet for 2nd place at present with only one defeat in their last 8 matches and a trip to play relegation-threatened Elland C&BC this Tuesday.
Elland being one of 4 teams enveloped in the relegation mix for the 2nd place to go down along with already-relegated Milnsbridge 'A'. Longwood and Cowcliffe are in that mix as well and both have home fixtures this week that really are must-win matches. That is especially true of Cowcliffe who currently occupy the 2nd relegation place and take on bottom team Milnsbridge 'A' presenting a great opportunity to pick up points to claw their way back to firmer ground. Meltham are one of those four with an away match this week as they go to Clayton West. With one less fixture to complete than any of their rivals they must look to pick up points in each of their remaining three fixtures to stand a chance of avoiding the third from bottom spot for a second consecutive season although this time that would mean curtains for their stay in the top division.