Southern Combination ups and downs being settled – but plenty have all to play for
There are two rounds of games to go in the Southern Combination League season – and while some matters are settled, many more are going down to the wire.
In the Premier Division, the title race is still going – Steyning Town have a three-point lead over Haywards Heath Town with each having two games left.
Whoever misses out will finish second for a home semi-final spot, while Guernsey, Horsham YM and Peacehaven and Telscombe will join them in the knockouts to bid for a second promotion place.
Eastbourne United, Pagham and Newhaven came closest to gatecrashing the top five but could not close the gap.
At the bottom of the premier, assuming two teams go down and that number is not affected by any outside issues, Shoreham are already down and Lancing will join them this weekend barring something like a 10-0 win for them and a 10-0 defeat for Lingfield.
The Lingers, AFC Varndeanians and Midhurst have all looked in peril in recent weeks but have survived.
In Division 1, Godalming have overcome a mini-wobble they suffered a few weeks ago to claim the title.
At present the play-off positions are taken by Infinity, Worthing United (who also have next Wednesday’s RUR Cup final v Haywards Heath to look forward to), Reigate Priory and Billingshurst. But Arundel and AFC Walcountians can still end in those places with a strong finish.
At the bottom Copthorne were confirmed as down some weeks ago but the battle above them to stay up has been keen. AFC Uckfield and Loxwodd are the others in the bottom three but Oakwood, Ringmer and SDorking B are only just above them.
At present it’s not been confirmed how many clubs will go down – it will depend how many are confirmed as able to come up to step six, though Westfield are one of those making the leap after winning the Mid Sussex League premier this week.
In SCFL Division 2, Hailsham are top and favourites for the crown, but Rustington – winners this week of the Division 2 Cup – and TD Shipley are both still in pursuit.
At the bottom it’s between Bosham, Worthing Town and Rudgwick for the basement spot.
There will be more settled this weekend so look out for another update here next week.