New Year’s Day sees an Isthmian League South East derby when Phoenix Sports host Beckenham Town.

Four weeks ago, this would have been a potential relegation six pointer, but three wins in their last four games have moved Phoenix up to thirteenth place, and away from immediate danger. The Becks will be looking for a similar run as they are currently stranded at the bottom of the table having won just eight points so far in this campaign, but they have hope as they are only four points shy of safety.

Both teams played on Saturday, but registered very different results. The Sports visited Chichester City and claimed an important three points. After a goal-less first half, Cameron Brodie put them ahead in the twentieth minute of the second period, however, Isaac Bello levelled eight minutes later.

Kieran King put Phoenix back ahead with eight minutes remaining and veteran Ryan Hayes put the icing on the cake with a goal in the final minute.

Meanwhile, Beckenham put in a disappointing performance against Littlehampton Town. They fell behind to a Josh Short goal in the eighth minute and conceded again to a Nodirbek Bobomurodo goal with almost half an hour on the clock. Just over fifteen minute remained when Ollie Starkey made it three-nil.

Steve Townsend pulled one back with nine minutes remaining, but Littlehampton scored three additional goals in the last five minutes, including two more by Starkey to complete his hat-trick. The Becks collected just one point in December and have not won since the end of November when they defeated East Grinstead Town by three goals to nil.

This will be the first meeting between the two clubs this season, and first league encounter for ten years as promotions and relegations have kept the two teams apart.