Bostik North preview: Four teams have top spot aspirations

By Matt Bishop
There is a busy night in the Bostik North tonight with four teams in with a chance of ending the evening top of the division.
As it stands, AFC Hornchurch lead the way thanks to their superior goal difference, and they will be looking to extend their stay at the summit with a win over their struggling visitors Grays Athletic.
After losing 2-0 to Hereford in the FA Cup on Saturday, Jimmy McFarlane will be hoping for a response from his men against a side who have won just twice all season.
Just below the Urchins, but level on points, are Canvey Island, and they will be ready to pounce on any slip ups when they take on eleventh place Tilbury away from home.
The Dockers lost 4-2 in an enthralling battle against Maldon & Tiptree on Saturday, while Canvey will be on the hunt for a second consecutive win after their tight 1-0 victory over Bury Town at the weekend.
A point behind the leading pair are Dereham Town, but the chasing pack could leapfrog The Magpies as Neal Simmons’ men are not in action.
Fourth placed Bowers & Pitsea will put their promotion credentials on the line at Witham Town, hoping to recover some ground after their disappointing 3-1 defeat to Norwich United at home.
Haringey Borough are the final team who could end the night top, as they travel to Barking, fresh from their brilliant 4-1 win over Bideford in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.
Bury Town can’t go top tonight, but are the closest to the leading pack in action, and they will play a Hertford Town side who beat Ware on Saturday with goals from Brett O’Conner and Michael Toner sealing a 2-1 win.
Potters Bar Town are also in the chase for at least a play-off spot, and visit Brentwood Town this evening, but the Essex club will be full of confidence, despite being 20th, after their important 1-0 win at Grays on Saturday afternoon.
Waltham Abbey were involved in the Bostik North’s game of the weekend, but they were left disappointed after losing 4-3 to Dereham Town in brilliant end-to-end encounter. AFC Sudbury are their hosts tonight.
Ware have faced issues with their home form this season, struggling to string consistent results together with two wins and two defeats, so will be hoping to start a run by beating lowly Cheshunt tonight.
Norwich United‘s brilliant win at Bowers & Pitsea should give them a lot of confidence heading into their game against Soham Town Rangers, but the bottom club are yet to win at home this term.