The battle for the third promotion spot in County League division two was blown wide open when East Grinstead slumped to another defeat.

Grinstead lost 3-0 at home to Eastbourne United, their second 3-0 reverse of the week, which leaves them just five points ahead of Oakwood, who have a game in hand.

The Wasps now desperately need something from Saturday's big game against leaders Eastbourne Town.

Wasps boss Bobby Smith, whose side host Shinewater tonight, said: "We've had a blip, which all teams suffer in a season, but 15 teams in the division, including Oakwood, would rather be in our position at the moment.

"It's still in our hands which is the best position to be in."

Grinstead had the better chances before David Harris put United ahead on 58 minutes.

Simon Colbran then added two more to the delight of his boss, Dave Shearing, who said: "It shows what a bit of positive thinking can do. It wasn't a fluke. We ground them down and went on to score the goals."

Oakwood, meanwhile, achieved an excellent 3-0 win at Westfield thanks to two goals from Zak Newman plus a Martin Comper header.

Manager Andy Maddox said: "Before Saturday's game we said, 'Let's get 21 points from our last seven games on the scoreboard and see where that takes us'.

"The pressure is on East Grinstead and a couple of poor results has opened the door for one or two teams like ourselves."

Realistically, only Oakwood have a chance of catching Grinstead. Saltdean are fifth after a 3-0 win at Pease Pottage but they trail third place by seven points with only four games remaining.

They turned on a good display to beat a Pottage side scrapping for points.

Brad Dougal opened the scoring and Liam O'Brien added a penalty before half time after Bas Allen had been brought down.

O'Brien scored a second late in the game although team-mate Leigh Davis tried to claim it.