Match-winner Mel Clewlow says despite her goal denting Holcombe’s Investec Premier Division play-off hopes, she hopes Canterbury’s Kent rivals can join them at the Olympic Park.

A win in Saturday evening’s Kent derby at Canterbury would have ensured Holcombe joined Canterbury in the play-offs but Clewlow struck the only goal after 18 minutes from a penalty corner to leave Holcs needing to win at champions Surbiton on Saturday to guarantee fourth.

Clewlow said: “It’s great for Kent to have two teams in the Premier League and it would be awesome if they were both able to make it to the play-offs.

“It’s not about the teams or the players or the rivalry, it is about the prospect of having two of the top four teams in the country being from Kent.

“With the two men’s teams also playing in the play-offs, there is the possibility for having all four teams in the Premier Division next season with the potential for a double-header which could generate massive crowds.”

Canterbury have already qualified for the Championship play-offs and need a point at home to Clifton in the season finale on Saturday (2pm) to ensure second spot.

The game will be a dress rehearsal for a play-off semi-final against the same opponents – who sit third – in London on April 18.

Clewlow said: “We’ve won our last eight games and conceded two goals and want to keep the momentum going.”