by Alex Hoad

Sittingbourne boss Gary Abbott says his side are in a three-horse race for the final two play-off places in Ryman League Division 1 South.

The Brickies manager is relishing the chance to upset the other runners – who he identifies as Fleet Town and Godalming – as they face three games against the two sides in their final nine matches.

They also must also visit fellow play-off chasers Burgess Hill. The match was postponed on Tuesday due to a waterlogged pitch and will be played on April 22.

Abbott, whose side can reach the top five with a win at Fleet on Saturday, said: "We were disappointed not to follow up on the win against Worthing but now we’ll look to the Fleet game.

"We can’t go there expecting to win but I’m confident. It’s all about getting that fifth spot."

Abbott tipped Croydon to take the title and Folkestone and Worthing to make up the top three, with Fleet, Godalming and Bourne vying for the other two places in the play-offs and Leatherhead as the dark horses.

Abbott said: "It’s in our hands. We could afford to lose one or two because we have got two games against Godalming and still have to play Fleet. I think five wins from the nine games would do it."

Joe Horlock starts a three-game ban on Saturday while keeper Deren Ibrahim sits out one match. With Josh Willis unavailable, Abbott has been forced to sign a stopper on an emergency deal for one game.