Preview: Playoff chasing Tudors gearing up for must-win clash with Staines

Hemel earned a draw with Ebbsfleet. Picture (c) Terry Rickeard

The Tudors still have hopes of reaching the playoffs, but they will need to beat Staines tonight to make ground on the sides above them.

Hemel go into the game sitting seventh in the table, nine points adrift of the playoff spots but with two games in hand on fifth-placed Havant and Waterlooville.

Staines, on the other hand, are rooted to the foot of the table, having only picked up 15 points all season. They are currently on a five-game losing streak, with their last league victory coming against Gosport Borough on January 13.

Hemel go into tonight’s game on the back of three consecutive draws, including a 2-2 draw with big spending Ebbsfleet United in their last outing.

And Tudors boss Dean Brennan knows that his side must start turning draws into wins if they are going to make a serious playoff push with 11 games of the season remaining.

“We have to make Saturday’s result a positive one by going to Staines and winning one of our games in hand,” said the Hemel manager.

“To be totally honest if we want success this season, this is a must win game and a fantastic challenge for our very young team.”

The Tudors go into the game as strong favourites to return home with all three points. Bookmakers have Hemel priced at around 2/5 for the win, with Staines on offer at odds in the region of 5/1.