DEBENHAM LC manager Mel Aldis believes his side's red-hot form has come just too late to secure a fairytale promotion to the Ridgeons League Premier Division.

Stuart Watson

DEBENHAM LC manager Mel Aldis believes his side's red-hot form has come just too late to secure a fairytale promotion to the Ridgeons League Premier Division.

The third and final promotion place in Division One is one of the few issues that remains unresolved on the final weekend of the season.

Halstead currently hold the strongest hand - they are two points clear heading into the final round of matches - but Debenham are breathing heavily down their necks.

Aldis said: “If we were to go up it would be a big bonus, but realistically I'm not expecting it to happen.”

The Hornets have won their last six league games in succession and have scored 21 goals in the last four of those.

Halstead also keep picking up the wins - they have won their last four in succession - however, three of those victories have come by just a single goal.

Halstead face a tricky trip to fifth place Great Yarmouth Town on Saturday - a side who have only just fallen away from the promotion running themselves - but the Essex side will take confidence from their 7-1 win in the reverse fixture in March.

Meanwhile, Debenham travel to 12th place March Town United - a venue they have not won at during their three seasons in the Ridgeons League - but they too will take confidence from a recent 4-0 victory over the Hares.

Should Halstead draw, Debenham would need to win by three goals or more to claim the final promotion spot on goal difference.

- To hear more from Aldis and for a full non-league preview, see Saturday's EADT.