Match Preview : United @ Jarrow AFC - Ebac Northern League Division 2 Semi-Final Play-Off - Monday 28th April 7:30pm

by Jeff King

All roads lead to Perth Green, Jarrow on Monday night as United face the biggest game in the history of their short successful history. A magnificent 4th placed finish in the regular season earning them a play-off semi-final.

It is a wonderful opportunity for this young set of players and their superb coaching staff to have a real crack at glory and possible promotion to the Ebac Northern League First Division.

It, of course, won't be easy. They have to face a Jarrow side at their own ground who finished one place above them and with 15 points more. Jarrow also having the best defensive record in the League.

But the form United have shown since Christmas in particular has been excellent and although they may be underdogs they have nothing to fear and will travel with the confidence of knowing they've already won at Perth Green this season.

That was back in September last year when a Stephen Siyanbola goal gave us a 1 - 0 win when Jarrow were top of the League and unbeaten at home. Fast forward to February and Jarrow got their revenge with 3 - 2 win at The Ford Hub.

In that February game United led 2 - 0 at half-time with goals from Captain Dylan Wilkinson and an own goal from George Hayton. Jarrow though hit back in spectacular style to take the win.

One of their goals coming from ex-United striker Benji Shodeinde and the winner late on from Thomas Ions. It makes for an intriguing contest that is eagerly anticipated.

Jarrow's excellent season saw then amass 93 points from their 42 games. They won 29 drew 6 and lost 7 scoring a massive 96 goals and only conceding 35. Shodeinde was their top scorer in the League with 19 spread over two spells at The Club during the season.

Levi Collins is the overall top scorer with 20 in all competitions including 17 in the League. Callum Johnston has 13 league goals and one in the cup and Ryan Hardie is also in double figures with 11 in the league plus a cup goal.

United though will not be fazed and will no doubt give as good as they get as both teams look to book a space in the Ebac Northern League Division 2 Play-Off Final on Saturday May 3rd at a venue to be decided.