Hythe will clinch promotion if they win their final game of the season on Saturday – but the title is now out of their hands.

Andy Maurice’s side could only manage a winning draw at home to Sidcup last weekend and Holmesdale moved to the top of Kent League Division 3 courtesy of their victory over Minster.

Hythe start the final round of fixtures second, one point behind Holmesdale, knowing victory against relegated Cowdrey will send them up.

Hythe captain Maurice said: "We’re frustrated that we didn’t get the win and now Holmesdale have leapfrogged us.

"I’m not upset because if we win the game on Saturday we’ll go up - and we’re playing bottom of the league, so we should do it - but it’s a bit disappointing that it’s out of our hands as far as the championship is concerned.

"We’ve had a couple of dark years, with the double relegation, so to (potentially)
be back in the top half of the Kent League, with better grounds and better pitches, we’re excited.

"Now we have to make sure we get the job done."