by Alex Hoad

Michael Farrer says Canterbury need to avoid any final day drama in the National Premier Division by securing their play-off place with a routine win at Cannock on Sunday.

The city club have spent the entire season in the top-four following promotion last year but going into the final game, they sit third in the table, two points behind second-placed Surbiton, one ahead of fourth-placed Reading and fifth-placed East Grinstead, with Cannock a further point back in sixth.

It means Canterbury could yet finish anywhere from second to sixth but skipper Farrer insisted: "We are relaxed and calm. The easiest thing for us to do is just win."

Farrer (pictured) admitted: "After the season we have had, if we were to miss out we would be disappointed. At the start of the season, maybe people wouldn’t have thought we would be where we are but it’s been a long road and we have earned our place.

"If we make the play-offs then it keeps alive the chance of making history.

"No Canterbury men’s team has ever been to Europe – the pinnacle of club hockey – and if we could do that, it would be a fantastic experience for the players.

"This might be the best chance we get to do it."

Farrer admitted his side "made things difficult for ourselves" in Saturday’s dramatic 3-2 win over relegation-battlers Southgate at Polo Farm.

Farrer said: "We expected it to be a scrappy one as they were fighting for their lives and so it proved. It will probably be tight again on Sunday."

He added: "With the goal difference we know we could possibly lose by three goals and still go through depending on other results but it is in our hands and all we are thinking about is winning our game and guaranteeing our place.

"If we can do that it would top-off a good season and I’m sure it would spark some celebrations."

Do you believe Canterbury can secure their top-four place and keep their European dream alive? Have your say below.