There could yet be a late twist in the Southern Counties East Premier Division title race.

Leaders Erith & Belvedere went down at home to Whitstable on Saturday, despite playing against 10 players for more than 70 minutes.

The visitors lost recently-signed defender Ashley Sains to a red card but winger Jefferson Aibangbee ensured Marcel Nimani’s troops led at half-time.

Whitstable scored again after the hour when young midfielder Josh Oliver won a spot-kick, which he converted himself.

The Deres pulled one back through Ryan Palmer from the penalty spot with around 20 minutes to go after a foul by defender Tom Mills, however Erith & Belvedere couldn’t find an equaliser.

Their lead was cut to seven points by second-placed Phoenix Sports, who also have a game in hand.

Phoenix won 2-0 at second-bottom K Sports. Ryan Hayes gave them an early lead and experienced centre-back Matt Bourne added a second late on.

Deal dropped to third after they conceded for the first time in seven matches. Their unbeaten run continued, however, in a 2-2 drew at Glebe.

After the hosts had taken the lead inside the first 10 minutes, Steve King’s Hoops levelled soon after the restart through young forward Lenny Atherton, on dual-registration from Folkestone, only for striker Jamie Philpot to put Glebe back ahead.

But Kane Smith nodded in a Joe Reeves corner on the hour to make it 2-2 and ensure it’s now 13 matches without defeat for Deal.

Second-half goals from Harry Taylor and Steadman Callender saw Erith Town beat Tunbridge Wells 2-0.

Josh Reid netted in the first half for Lordswood, however strikes early in the second half by Billy Shinners and Rob Hughes saw Stansfeld earn a 2-1 success.

Sam Bailey’s 20th-minute header proved the only goal as Welling Town earned a 1-0 home triumph over Fisher.

Snodland are seven points clear at the Division 1 summit after a 3-0 victory at Forest Hill.

Adam Hopper was on the scoresheet in the first half while Rob Denness - with a penalty - and Josh Froggatt struck after the restart.

Jack West’s late winner helped Larkfield & New Hythe move back up to second with a 3-2 win at Bridon Ropes.

Dan Lott netted either side of half-time to leave the game well balanced at 2-2 before West struck with the all-important fifth goal.

Staplehurst claimed a 3-2 away triumph over Bermondsey Town. MacKenzie Gardiner and Ryan Gill were among their scorers.

Fourth-placed Faversham Strike Force lost 2-1 at fellow play-off occupants Tooting Bec despite Tom Barton’s first-half strike.