Bishops Cleeve face Evesham United in historic Easter Monday derby showdown for Play-off glory

By Johnny Davies

As the season nears a close, Bishops Cleeve get ready to play their last home game at Kayte Lane, with their final match being their biggest one yet, facing off against local and play-off rivals, Evesham United. A win for Evesham could see them all but clinch the title if Yate Town lose at Bristol Manor Farm. A win for the Mitres, on the other hand, could secure them playoffs and go into their final Southern League Division One match, against Cribbs, only needing a point to secure third place. In the current standings, Bishops Cleeve sit third on 72 points, whereas Evesham United currently occupy the top spot on 82 points, but only just sitting on top due to a higher goal difference than Yate Town.

Paul Collicutt's men travelled to Thatcham in their last fixture, playing out a 0-0 draw at Waterside Park, a point that proved vital due to playoff rivals, Mousehole, losing to Bideford. Despite not winning that match, Cleeve still come into this game with full confidence, having not lost in their last four matches. Midfielder Joe Selman spoke after the game about how excited he is going into this historic fixture, "I'm excited, it's apparently going to be quite a big crowd there to support us so I can't wait,

"We're still aiming to solidify that third place within the playoffs, and by getting three points against Evesham, we can do that."

Evesham however come into this game off the back of a strong 3-0 win at home to Didcot Town. As well as winning in their last game, the Robins are unbeaten in their last 10 fixtures, a run that the Mitres will be trying to stop at 'Fortress Kayte Lane'.

The last match between the two sides came on another landmark day, all the way back on Boxing Day. The match saw the Mitres travel to The Spiers and Hartwell Stadium and run riot over the Robins, beating them 4-0, a festive treat from Collicutt's men.

Bishops Cleeve need all the support they can get to help earn three points and secure their best-ever finish in their 120-year history. Tickets are available online now, so make sure you grab one early, on get there on the day to cheer the Mitres onto glory.