On Saturday we make the short trip down to Capershotts for our match with Waltham Abbey. Despite managerial changes from the side that got them promoted to the Ryman Premier, Abbey have enjoyed a safe season, currently sitting in 12^th position. The highest they can reach mathematically is fourth, but realistically, their play-off hopes are over for this season. It would be fair to assume that because of this, The Abbotts may have taken their foot off the pedal a bit, but they have won three of their last four games, including good wins against Maldon & Tiptree and Romford.

Meanwhile, we have taken seven points from our last four games, and were unfortunate not to come away with three points from AFC Sudbury. Needham Market was always going to be a tough game, and they now seem destined to finish the season in second place.

When the two sides met earlier in the season, the points were shared in a 1-1 draw, where Abbey equalized with an 88^th minute goal.

Much as with our previous opponents, AFC Sudbury, our record against Waltham Abbey is less than impressive. In eight matches, we have only managed to get the better of Abbey once: that was on the 7^th of April 2007, when Andrew Thomas and Shawn Evans scored our goals in a 2-1 win. Since then, we have drawn 1-1 three times, and lost 0-3 and 1-2. Hopefully that record will change come 5 PM on Saturday.

Live updates will be coming direct from the match, on the club’s website, Twitter Stream and Facebook Page. Match photos and a full report should also be on the website.

The Beer Hunter’s guide to Waltham Abbey

Waltham Abbey, another fine historic town and one with almost as many good McMullens pubs as Ware. The Beer Hunter’s favourites include the ancient and atmospheric Welsh Harp by the market square, the Sun Inn nearby, and the Angel between there and the ground. Cheers!