On Wednesday evening Phoenix Sports entertain Erith Town in a Southern Counties East Football League fixture.

When the game was due to be played two weeks ago, it appeared that this match would go a long way to deciding who would finish as runners-up, claiming a play-off place against a team from step four.

The Sports were in second place in the table, with the Dockers one place and two points behind in third.

However, Erith and Belvedere’s defeat at home to Whitstable Town on Saturday means that they are no longer guaranteed to win the league. Now, the three Bexley Borough clubs, plus Deal Town, will all feel that they have a shot at the title.

The Deres have 68 points from 30 games, Phoenix and Deal 61 from 29 and 31 respectively, and the Dockers 59 from 29.

The Sports extended their unbeaten league run to eleven games with a two-nil victory at K. Sports on Saturday. Former Dart Ryan Hayes put Phoenix ahead in the eighth minute but it took until three minutes from time for Matt Bourne to add a second and make the win safe.

Meanwhile the Dockers, who have lost just once in fourteen games, also won two-nil with a late goal to steady their nerves. They broke the deadlock on the hour mark through Harry Taylor and Steadman Callender scored the crucial second, his nineteenth league goal of the season, with four minutes remaining.

When the two teams met in the curtain raiser for this season, Phoenix came out on top despite being second best for large parts of the second half.

Hayes put the visitors ahead in the fifth minute from the penalty spot but Charlie Clover levelled in first half injury time.

After the break, the Dockers took control but couldn’t drive home their advantage and Phoenix reclaimed the lead with seven minutes remaining.

Alfie Evans clipped home after Hayes’ audacious effort came back off the woodwork. Three minutes later, Erith’s Ryan Mahal was sent off for a second yellow card offence and the Sports took full advantage by working a quick free kick for Luke Leppard to tap in.

Respective managers Steve O’Boyle and Adam Woodward know each other well, having worked together at both clubs in the past, and with so much at stake, there should be a good turnout. The game takes place at the Mayplace Ground, kicking off at 7:45.