Six-time champions Hartley will be staring down the barrel of relegation from the Kent League Premier Division if they fail to win on Saturday.

Hartley have gone eight games without a win and they travel to second-bottom Sevenoaks Vine this weekend.

It’s been a wretched campaign for Hartley, whose last victory came against the Vine two months ago.

They’ve never finished lower than third since being promoted from Division 1 in 2007 but their stay in the top flight is now under serious threat.

Hartley captain James Cramp said: "It’s a massive game.

"The Premier League is where everyone wants to be. It’s something we want to keep hold of.

"We know, going into Saturday, how big it is.

"We’ve always had good competition with the Vine. Over the years we’ve done quite well, even though they’ve been one of our main competitors.

"I work with John Bowden, who opens the batting for the Vine, and we’ve been discussing the season quite a bit.

"The mood in the Hartley camp is definitely positive. We’ve changed our momentum and our view on things a little bit.

"I know it’s a big game but que sera, I suppose. It’s been a tight-knit group for years and we’re trying to get back to smiles on faces more than anything.

"A win would make us safe. It would be a big thing if we lost but not mathematically impossible (to survive).

"The other way round, it would be, so we’re looking to put it to bed this week."