Saturday's Ryman South action review

By David Watters

The only issues left to settle in Ryman South on the penultimate Saturday of the season was who finishes in the top five and in what order, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Folkestone Invicta have long been champions, while Dorking Wanderers, Hythe Town and Worthing can all still finish as runners-up.

Dorking remain favourites despite losing 3-0 at Tooting & Mitcham United on Saturday as they still have two games left.

At the KNK Stadium, Ashley Robinson broke the deadlock to give the Terrors a 55th minute lead that Marcel Barrington doubled with 20 minutes to go – Kurtis Pykes adding the third just two minutes later.

Hythe pulled level on points with Dorking after winning by the same scoreline at Reachfields against lowly Chipstead.

Nick Reeves after 15 minutes, Alfie May right on half-time and Dave Cook nine minutes from time were the Hythe scorers.

Worthing would need to win their last game and hope both Dorking and Hythe lose theirs to pip them for second spot after drawing 1-1 at Guernsey, once more in front of an excellent crowd of 763.

Brannon O`Neill broke the deadlock to give the visitors a 65th minute lead that Dave Rihoy levelled nine minutes later.

Dorking, Hythe and Worthing are all assured of a top five finish, but who joins them still involves three teams.

Corinthian-Casuals currently occupy fifth spot after they edged a five-goal thriller at Walton Casuals.

Shaun Okojie gave the visiting Casuals an 18th minute lead that Omar Folkes cancelled out four minutes before the break. Seven minutes into the second period and Josh Uzun restored the visitors` lead.

Gabriel Odunakie drew the hosts level once more 10 minutes later but Jamie Byatt won it for Corinthian-Casuals with 15 minutes to go.

And they hold a one-point lead over Hastings United, who could only draw, and two over Faversham Town, who lost at lowly East Grinstead Town.

Hastings grabbed a 2-2 draw at Southwood against Ramsgate, taking an 18th minute lead through Sam Cole.

But the Rams equalised through Wayne Wilson just past the half-hour mark and then led seven minutes after the break through Luke Wheatley. Sub Bright Temba rescued a point for the Sussex side 20 minutes from time.

Faversham dropped three crucial points as the Wasps raced into a 2-0 lead with goals from Callum Emptage on 20 minutes and Alex Gaggin seven minutes later. An Emptage own goal on 35 minutes was all the Kent visitors could muster in reply.

The bottom two met at Peacehaven & Telscombe, with basement side Whitstable Town running out 2-0 winners, courtesy of a Sam Berwick brace in the 57th and 89th minutes.

Herne Bay and Carshalton Athletic shared a 1-1 Winch`s Field draw with the Robins` Tommy Bradford cancelling out Danny Walder`s 76th minute penalty in stoppage time.

It also ended 1-1 in the day`s other game between Chatham Town and Sittingbourne, whose Akhazzan Hicham gave the visitors a 15th minute lead from the spot, only for Kwabena Osei to equalise two minutes later.

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Where next?

Testimonial for crocked star Herne Bay are planning a testimonial for Lee Browning after the midfielder was told he could never play again following the serious head injury he suffered in Ryman South.
Saturday's Ryman Premier action review Hampton & Richmond Borough require one more point to be confirmed as Ryman Premier champions after their 3-0 victory over Grays Athletic at Mill Field on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

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