Ronan Casella and his W2 players make the journey to Duke’s Meadow in West London tomorrow morning for a huge fixture which could well determine promotion to the National League. Only one team can escape the clutches of the London Premier Division and Lucy Sheffield, Ella Duthie and the Southgate players will be dearly hoping they can emulate the M2 who secured their berth in the East Conference last weekend after their 1-2 win away to London Edwardians.
It is set to be a humdinger of an encounter, Southgate and Barnes are both tied for points with 49 a piece- 14 ahead of third placed Wayfarers. Yet Barnes have the advantage due to their +43 goal difference- Southgate meanwhile despite showing the better defensive record with just 14 goals conceded across the 19 previously played games sit on +29 which is testament to Barnes attacking prowess.
Barnes come off the back of a decisive 0-5 win away to West Hampstead last weekend with Natalie Wray scoring a fine hat-trick yet Southgate matched them goal of goal with their own 5-0 home win to Chiswick, with Sydney Bear and Erin Mulholland just 2 of the 5 goal scorers.
The only other indicator is the home leg played on 23rd November which saw Barnes score in the 1st minute and then hold of the ‘Gate advances for the remaining 69 minutes to squeeze the 0-1 win. In short it is set up to have the makings of a classic contest which mirrors the great battle enjoyed by both clubs back in the 21/22 season when Barnes W1 proved Southgate’s nemesis to secure promotion into Division One. Coach Ronan Casella will be looking for the grit, resilience and determination needed to rise to the challenge and ensure history does not repeat itself on the banks of the river Thames.
The whole club sends their best wishes to the team and do get down to support them if you can.
Barnes W2 vs Southgate W2
11:30 PB, Dukes Meadow
