Wick boss Carl Stabler has questioned leaders Eastbourne United’s ability to handle the pressure of being title favourites.

A 2-1 victory over Oakwood saw Wick move to within two points of United who went down to their second defeat in three games at Redhill.

With Horsham YMCA also losing 2-0 at Chichester it means Wick are now United’s main challengers having taken 19 points from a possible 21 since losing at Eastbourne six weeks ago.

Stabler said: “We are under no pressure whatsoever so we are quite enjoying it. We aren’t expecting anything while Eastbourne and Horsham are under pressure because they have been at the top for so long.

“They have got some younger players in their team and it will be interesting to see whether they can handle it. They are still favourites but we are happy to stay in the background to nick it if they slip up.”

John Lawson gave Wick the lead after just nine minutes but they needed a late penalty from Julian Curnow to take maximum points after Oakwood had equalised midway through the second half.

Redhill boss John Crumplin insists his side are not out of the title race after their 2-1 victory over Eastbourne United.

Wayne Robinson gave the Lobsters a first-half lead and Tommy Brown capped an impressive display by making it 2-0 after United had been reduced to ten men following the dismissal of Brad Manton.

Jamie McKenzie sparked a dramatic finish by pulling one back with five minutes to go but Redhill goalkeeper Chris May made sure of the points with two saves late on.

Crumplin said: “It keeps things interesting. We’ve got to play Eastbourne on the last day of the season and have also got to play Wick and Arundel so if we win all our games then we’ll have a chance.”

Horsham YMCA’s miserable run continued as they went down to goals from Shaun Benjamin and a Ben Vassallo penalty at Chichester. Russell Hardwell also missed a penalty for Chi and Matt Short saved a Tom Lawley spot-kick while YM’s Matt Geard and Chi’s Lee Mullins both saw red following a scuffle.

YM have now taken just four points from their last five games and have slipped to fourth behind Three Bridges who came from behind to win 2-1 at Whitehawk.

Roy Pook had given the Hawks the lead in the third minute but Bridges hit back through Dean Wright and a last-gasp George Hillier strike.

Arundel kept their hopes alive as a Jason Wimbleton goal and a Gary Norgate penalty earned them a 2-0 win at home to St Francis Rangers.

East Grinstead moved four points clear of the relegation zone with a 2-0 win at fellow strugglers East Preston. Both goals came in the final 11 minutes from Luke Piscina and Simon Funnell.

A late goal from Danny Gillard denied Worthing United a vital win at Lingfield. Gillard had given the home side the lead from the penalty spot but the Mavericks hit back through Matt Russell and Ben Boutwood.

A solitary Scott McDonald strike was enough to give Hailsham victory at Pagham while Jon Marzetti scored on his debut as Ringmer won 2-0 at home to Selsey.