The Ambers head to the Len Salmon stadium in Pitsea to face Hashtag United on the final day of the season this weekend. Hashtag’s Toby Aromolaran will be facing his former club on Saturday, he played three times for the Ambers in 2018 before going on to find Love Island fame in 2021.

The Hosts – Hashtag United

The Tags currently sit comfortably in thirteenth place coming into the final day of the season, after a campaign of ups and downs. The former YouTube outfit started the campaign very well, they were well in the play-off race on New Year’s Day. They were sat in seventh place on 35 points after 21 games, just three points below Billericay in the fifth. The second half of the season has been a tougher one for Jay Devereux’s side, in the 20 games since, they have claimed just 23 points. This leaves them in thirteenth place, with the possibility of jumping to 12^th with a win on Saturday, if Bognor Regis were to lose against Folkestone Invicta.

The Essex outfit have been on a bit of a poor run of form, losing their previous three matched. Two weeks ago, they let a two-goal lead slip in the final 17 minutes against already relegated Concord Rangers. This was followed up by defeat in the Velocity Cup final against Chatham Town at Aveley FC. Last weekend, the Tags were defeated 2-1 away from home against Lewes despite taking the lead through Max Cornhill.

Hashtag United have had some key performers this campaign, with the pick of the bunch being left winger Sakariya Hassan. The Somali International has been a threat down the left side all campaign, creating chances and bagging some important goals. The biggest goal threat for the tags is forward Luke May-Parrott, he has scored fifteen goals in 31 appearances so far. Misha Djemaili is also one to look out for, he is a player that comes in and out the starting line-up but always seems to have a huge impact on the games he starts. Finally, Percy Kiangebeni or ‘PK Humble’ as he is known as online is a player who loves to take control of the midfield. Taylor Miles and Sam Granville will have their work cut out against a midfield of PK, Max Cornhill and Camilo Restrepo.

The Visitors – Cheshunt

The Ambers come into this game in the highest of spirits after a huge 1-0 victory over play-off hopefuls Horsham. Despite only winning by one, it was a comfortable win for Craig Edwards’ side with the visitors only really testing Sami Nabbad on one occasion. The game was won with an early goal from left-back Chevron McLean. Sam Kuffour won the ball back at the back, the ball was played quickly up the left side to Chevron McLean, one touch & pass, he played a one two with Jamie Reynolds who set him racing clear on the left wing. The left back whipped the ball into the box, and his swerving cross beat the keeper and went straight into the back of the net at the far post.

Against Horsham, Craig Edwards made three changes. He brought Chevron McLean and Finlay Tichmarsh back into the starting line-up which really sured-up the full-back areas. This allowed Enock Ekongo to push up to a more attacking role on the left wing. This switch up also saw Nnamdi Nwachuku move back into the number 9 role after spending time on the left wing, allowing Alfie Pendlebury to come off the bench as another option if needed.

The Ambers have had a very poor campaign on the road this season, with the nineteenth best record in the division. The fans will be hoping to make that better on the final day and take advantage of the Tags’ poor season at home. Devereux’s team has the 17^th best record at home in the league this season, earning 25 points from 20 matches.

Head-to-Head – Hashtag United vs Cheshunt

The two sides have faced each other just once in history, this was the 1-1 draw at Theobalds Lane earlier this season. Hashtag pinned the home side back at the start of the second half & took the lead when a corner was met with a fine header from Alex Teniola, keeper Rose got fingertips to it, but couldn’t prevent the ball making the back of the net. The positive forward running from Nathaniel Orafu & Isiah Noel Williams bought Cheshunt back into the game and Orafu was bought down when his quick feet saw him escape his marker. Taylor Miles stepped up & stroked a dipping shot beyond Strizovic for the equaliser.

The Tags were formed by Spencer Owen in 2016 as a YouTube football channel but their rise led to them joining the non-league pyramid in the Eastern Counties League Division One South, since then the club won three promotions in just six years and are already competitive in their first season in the Isthmian Premier Division.

This is an important game as anything would guarantee our survival on the final day, Craig and the players can’t wait to hear you cheering them on in Pitsea on Saturday. COYA!

Len Salmon Stadium, Crown Ave, Basildon SS13 2BE.

Ticket Prices:

Adult: £12

Concession: £7

All tickets must be purchased on the gate with either cash or card. See you all there!