The state of the- South East- nation

Pitching In Isthmian South East enters its penultimate weekend with much drama still on offer. We know that Three Bridges are deserved champions, and we also know that AFC Croydon Athletic, AFC Whyteleafe and- barring a mathematical miracle- Jersey Bulls will all play their parts in the Play Offs, but we have a play off place still up for grabs, and a relegation place that nobody wants!

That final Play Off place is currently occupied by Sittingbourne, but they have only a one point advantage over Faversham Town, and a four point advantage over Margate with each side having two matches left. The Brickies feature in what is undoubtedly our match of the day on Saturday, as they travel to take on fourth from bottom Hassocks- the side who shocked AFC Croydon Athletic last weekend and who very much need to deliver a similar shock if they are to have a chance of escaping the drop zone. 

Sittingbourne have only one win from four, and will be looking nervously over their shoulders as Faversham travel to Sevenoaks Town. The Brickies then end their campaign at home to already-relegated VCD Athletic, whilst Faversham host the champions on the final day, and will hope their opponents are already in holiday mode. 

Margate are the dark horses in the Play Off race. Gate have made a late charge into contention with seven wins from eight, but with a four point gasp to make up have probably left it too late- but they will still have hope as they host Erith Town this weekend. Erith are three points above the drop zone and fighting for their lives, so certainly won’t arrive at Hartsdown Park ready to play the role of whipping boys. Gate travel to bottom side East Grinstead Town on the final day, so that looks to be three guaranteed points, but it will need both Sittingbourne and Faversham to suffer an enormous attack of cold feet to clear the way for them. 

At the wrong end of the table we know that East Grinstead Town, Beckenham Town and VCD Athletic will be leaving us, but we don’t know whether Hassocks, Sheppey United, Erith Town or Hastings United will be joining them. 

Hassocks have suddenly found form but are three points from safety despite their four wins from six, and indeed despite shocking AFC Croydon Athletic last weekend. The Robins welcome fifth place Sittingbourne on Saturday and then travel to face one of our form sides, Ashford United, on the final day. Just above the Robins are Sheppey United, the Ites in freefall after losing six in a row. They are offering free entry as they welcome Crowborough Athletic on Saturday, and then finish the campaign with a difficult trip to Croydon Athletic.

Erith Town are two places and three points above the bottom four and have a much better goal difference than Hassocks or Sheppey, the Ites a point behind the Dockers. They travel to Margate on Saturday, a difficult match with Gate still holding Play Off hopes, and then finish the campaign with a home match against a Broadbridge Heath side, the Bears having lost their roar of late. 

Hastings United are four points clear of the bottom four and know that one more win will ensure their safety. They are at home to mid table Herne Bay this weekend, and finish their campaign on the road in Jersey, so will be rather keen to get the required points this weekend given Bulls current form.