Hastings Town enter the Easter weekend fixtures on the threshold of promotion to the Dr Martens premier division.

Town are nine points clear at the top of the eastern division. Victory over Sittingbourne tomorrow and neighbours St Leonards on Easter Monday would virtually assure them of going up.

Monday's clash at The Firs is huge for both sides. Saints are bottom of the table after four successive defeats while Town are anxious to avenge their controversial home defeat to their neighbours last month.

Hastings boss George Wakeling was furious following the 1-0 setback and said the match should have been abandoned after torrential rain turned the pitch into a quagmire.

Hastings have reeled off nine straight league wins since that defeat, but their pitch still bears the scars.

Defender Adam Flanagan, 24, who joined Hastings from St Leonards at the start of the season, said: "To lose to any rival in any sport is disappointing. But to lose to St Leonards with the rain and the poor pitch was very upsetting. It is going to fire us up even more for the return match."

Flanagan has scored 12 goals this season and been a revelation for Town since joining.

He added: "Hastings have always been the better team. It was a gamble because I didn't know if I would get regular games but I am delighted with how it has turned out."

Flanagan made over 150 appearances for Saints during a three-year spell at the club. He said: "When I leave a club I never want to see them do badly.

"If they do go down there will be some sympathy. It was strange when I played against them for the first time but you can't be expected to stay at one club all the time."

Saints travel to Sussex rivals Eastbourne Borough tomorrow, then have three consecutive matches at home, starting with the visit of Hastings.