SOUTHERN COUNTIES EAST

THE TITLE RACE will go to the games next week after both title contenders won yesterday.

Ashford United lead with a goal difference that is 13 better than Crowborough Athletic following a 4-0 win at Croydon yesterday.

Shaun Welford hit a hat-trick for the Nuts & Bolts with Stuart West also on target at the Croydon Arena.

Crowborough had a tougher afternoon against relegation-threatened Beckenham Town with Zac Attwood’s first-half penalty enough to give them the win.

At the bottom, Fisher lost 2-0 at Sevenoaks Town to confirm their relegation to Division One next season. Billy Bennett scored both and it was a good day for the family as his dad, Erith Town joint-boss Ricky, saw his side ensure Premier Division football.

The Dockers won 2-0 at Rochester United, with Ola Giwa and Nathan Palmer the Erith heroes. Lordswood are also safe after a 3-1 win at Canterbury.

Erith & Belvedere need a miracle after losing 7-1 at Bearsted. Constantine Scarlat and Sam Flisher both scored hat-tricks after a goalless first half.

The Deres must now win next week and Beckenham lose with an eight-goal swing in goal difference for the Park View Road side to survive.

Chislehurst-based Glebe have won the Division One title and will be joined in the Premier Division by Rusthall for the 2017-18 season.