There was a full programme of matches in the Investec Women's Conferences today, the penultimate day of the 2011-2012 season.
In the East Surbiton's 2-0 win over Harleston Magpies means that they are four points ahead of Sevenoaks in second place, and consequently they qualify for the promotion play-offs. It's still neck and neck at the bottom of the table, with any two of three facing either automatic relegation or the relegation play-offs. Old Loughtonians lost 3-1 to St Albans and are on nine points, whilst Horsham and Mainstone are both on eight. Horsham lost away at Sevenoaks to a single goal from Cathy Gilliat-Smith, whilst Maidstone went down 0-2 at home to Ipswich.
The meeting between table topping Beeston and relegated Northampton Saints in the North Conference, was only ever going to go one way. However the margin was an unexpected 12-0 in fabvour of Beeston, with hat-tricks from Eleanor Watton and Hollie Webb. Beeston can still be caught by University of Durham, who could only draw 1-1 at home to Loughborough Students. The relegation play off spot goes to Springfields who, despite their 2-2 draw against Doncaster, are too far adrift from eighth place Liverpool Sefton to escape.
Buckingham lead the charge in the West Conference with a 0-4 win against Exe. Buckingham can still be caught by Swansea, who won their match against Staines 0-4 and are only two points behind. The automatic relegation place is still a tussle between Exe and Team Bath Buccaneers, the Buccs losing to Isca this afternoon 2-1. Exe are on 11 points and Buccaneers on 10.
Brooklands MU have qualified for the promotion play offs as a result of the only match today in the Men's North Conference. Catching up on postponed fixtures, they beat Belper 0-1 away and are now six points clear of second place Sheffield Hallam. Havant were also catching up when they played Whitchurch in the Men's West Conference. They move up to second, but they are a massive 16 points behind leaders, Bath Buccaneers.
The first of the Men's Cup semi finals were played today. Bowdon were unable to salvage anything out of what has been an awful season for them. Despite briefly taking the lead, they fell to late goals from Hampstead & Westminster's Will Naylor and Neil Hamilton. Final score 5-4. If you want the result of the other semi final, you will have to wait until the evening of Thursday 16th April, when Beeston play Cannock.
Full results and tables can be found on our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk
