'Realistically, we've still got a chance' (From Bucks Free Press)

Chesham charge in the nick of time

11:00am Friday 1st March 2013 in Sport By Alan Feldberg

CHESHAM United hope they haven’t left it too late as two crucial wins in 48 hours ignited their late charge for the Southern League Premier Division play-offs.

After topping the table early in the season, they got vertigo and spiralled down the league to second from bottom at one stage.

However, they have hit form in the nick of time and are now just seven points off the top five with two games in hand.

Manager Andy Leese said: “I’ve said all season that we have under-achieved. We had a good trophy run and some good results, but the bits in between haven’t been good enough.

“We’re now showing what we’re about, but we’re under pressure because we’re running out of games.

“We just need to keep backing up one win with another. Realistically, we’ve still got a chance.”

Two six-goal victories at the start of 2013 signalled a return to form, and a 2-1 away victory at second-placed Hemel Hempstead Town confirmed their revival.

A couple of draws when only wins will do slowed them down again, but on Saturday they won 1-0 at table-topping Leamington before a 3-1 victory at Hitchin on Monday night continued the momentum.

Toby Little was Saturday’s match-winner, before two late goals from Dave Fotheringham and Inih Effiong wrapped up the points on Monday after Hitchin had cancelled out Simon Thomas’ opener.

Leese said: “I was encouraged by what I saw on Saturday and really encouraged by what I saw on Monday; we’ve had good results this season and not backed them up.

“Saturday was excellent, we battled hard in a very tough, physical encounter, but to go out 48 hours later and back it up with another excellent performance was just what we needed.”

The pressure doesn’t relent though; tomorrow they host Cambridge City. They are another side with play-off potential and it’s unlikely both teams will still be realistic challengers come 5pm.

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