Clive Cook says five clubs are fighting it out for two places in the Ryman League Division 1 South play-offs – and his Hythe side are one of them.

After another tumultuous Saturday afternoon in the promotion race and Town’s shock loss at Molesey on Tuesday, just a point separates eighth-placed Lewes from Carshalton in fifth, with Hastings in sixth and Hythe in seventh on goal difference.

Boss Cook says those four, plus Corinthian, four points ahead in fourth, are battling it out to join Greenwich and one of Dorking and Tooting in the end of season showpiece.

Town twice missed the chance to seize the initiative in the space of three days as they could only draw 2-2 at home to Carshalton on Saturday before losing 3-1 at Molesey.

Cook, whose side travel to Guernsey on Saturday (2pm), said: “It’s starting to whittle down. I think Tooting and Dorking are up there as the top-two but it’s a big ask for Cray, Faversham and Walton Casuals and South Park probably have too much to do.

“Which means it’s between five clubs for two places. It is an unbelievable season. The Carshalton manager said to me that he loves it but I don’t. I want it done. Roll on May.

“We have six games left and they are all going to be squeaky bum time. We have got to hold our nerve, be patient and show character.”

One player who won’t be part of the run-in is Frankie Sawyer who left the club on Monday and has since joined Southern Counties East League Premier Division side Whitstable.

Cook said: “He was my first signing here and brilliant for us last year. It’s not been quite the same this year, these things happen in football.

“He needed to play and I couldn’t guarantee him that with the position we are in. It’s amicable, there are no problems but I am sad to see him go.”

Cook is now seeking to bring in a new striker and an attacking wideman before the Ryman League transfer window shuts at the end of the month.