When we look back prior to the start of the season, one team really were counting up the odds being stacked against them. That team was FC Leytonstone, and such were their predicament, it prompted them to get in touch and request a special dispensation not to take promotion as their squad had been depleted from the previous campaign. Rather than lose them, we granted them that request.

Since that time though, they have sought to throw everything into rebuilding and despite a sluggish start to the season, November saw them launch into an unbeaten run that has seen them win the Morfey Cup, defeating South Ilford Catholics and also reach the final of the Premier Cup.

Tomorrow, 15th May, they meet top side FIFE knowing that a win will seal the Division One title.

Zulqi Khan & Ahmed Bussuri have scored 26 league goals between them and will be looking to add to that tally to bag the second part of the elusive trilogy. FIFE have their own deadly duo with John Kweku Gyasi & Christian Londono contributing 16 goals to keep them at the top of the table all season.

If you mix both the teams records they have a combined return of 99 goals in 30 games. I am sure there’ll be a few tomorrow.

Premier Cup Final

Route to the Final

1st Round

Barkingside H-W Warren United

Cardinals Athletic 1-5 FC Leytonstone

2nd Round

Rainham Working Mens Club 0-8 Barkingside

Walthamstow Red Star 1-4 FC Leytonstone

Quarter-Final

South Ilford Catholics 0-2 Barkingside

Newbury Forest 2-4 FC Leytonstone

Semi-Final

Weare United 4-6 Barkingside (AET)

FC Leytonstone 3-1 Global (AET)

FINAL

BARKINGSIDE vs FC LEYTONSTONE

If FC Leytonstone do win the D1 title, then both combatants at Dagenham & Redbridge will be playing for a monumental third trophy of the season.

What a game this will be on Tuesday 24th May (KO 19:45) at the Chigwell Construction Stadium, Victoria Road, Dagenham.