THE Southern League Premier South is home to possibly the closest relegation fight we’ll see this season.
Nine teams all have the possibility of facing the drop to play step four football next season (bottom place Marlow have already been relegated), which could take a toll on some of these clubs.
Gosport and Plymouth Parkway sat in 13th and 14th, will feel a lot more comfortable than the others below them with a seven point gap, but the unpredictability of this league could strike once again.
15. Basingstoke Town – 41 points
One of the local teams to Southampton find themselves in an unwanted and surprising fight for safety after a fantastic start to the season. ‘The Stoke’ were unbeaten in their first 10 league games, and were tipped to be in the promotion picture at the end of the season. However, many poor results against teams around them in the table since then, means relegation is over their shoulders.
16. Chertsey Town – 41 points
Chertsey were champions of the Isthmian League South Central last season, and reaching safety would be a brilliant outcome for ‘The Curfews’. Striker Jack Mazzone sits second in the league’s top scorer charts with 25, and will be partly the reason why they stay up if they manage to do so.
17. Swindon Supermarine – 41 points
‘Marine’ have been flirting with relegation for the past couple of years after missing out on the playoffs in 2022. The club, based in Wiltshire, are winless in six games. The last win incidentally came against relegated Marlow. With a tough remaining set of fixtures, with the likes of Gloucester and Walton & Hersham, it could be a nervy end to the season.
18. Winchester City – 39 points
The most local club on this list sit just two points off the drop, with relegation looking likely. ‘The Citizens’ were promoted to step three of the non-league pyramid for the first time in their history two seasons ago, and cemented themselves as a mid table side. This season has been a different story, losing 18 games. Tricky winger IK Hill has been their shining light this season, scoring 17 goals.
19. Frome Town – 37 points
The first team in the remaining spots for relegation like Chertsey, were promoted to step three after they won the playoff final. ‘The Robins’, are second for the fewest goals scored, which has been their biggest problem this campaign. Top scorer Albie Hopkins, sits with just seven goals to his name. A big problem that needs rectifying.
20. Poole Town – 37 points
The final local team on this list, wouldn’t have expected to be in this position, at the start of the season. ‘The Dolphins’ are one of the most established sides in the division, and were close to promotion two seasons ago. A playoff semi-final defeat to eventual winners Truro City meant they remained at step three. Poole have always been an ambitious club, and promotion was their aim this season but a massive shift in incomings and outgoings, have resulted in the club becoming a little bit unstable. A new management team have steadied the ship, and results are needed if they want to remain at this level.
21. Tiverton Town – 37 points
The last team in this crazy fight for safety are ‘The Tivvy’. Tiverton have been in this division since 2017, establishing themselves as a mid table side ever since. A really poor season on and off the pitch means they are the favourites to go down on this list. Player/manager Asa Hall, has turned the ship around after replacing former manager Rob Dray. This change came after an embarrassing 5-0 home defeat to relegation rivals, Basingstoke Town. Relegation looked destined for Tiverton, but eight points in their last five games, means they still have a chance of avoiding the drop.
