Isthmian League round-up: Hythe Town relegated, Ramsgate two wins from title, Herne Bay hit nine in big win

Hythe Town were relegated from Isthmian South East after a 5-2 home defeat to play-off chasing Merstham on Saturday.

It ends a 14-year stay in the Isthmian League for Hythe, who were promoted after winning the Kent League in 2010/11.

The match also marked the first game under new chairman Andy Nanda, who became chairman of the club on Thursday.

Korrey Henry and Matt Drage put Merstham 2-0 ahead inside 23 minutes although Javaun Splatt pulled one back on the stroke of half-time for Hythe.

However, Drage and Henry struck again after the break before Kieron Agbebi got a consolation in the 90th minute. There was still time for Aaron Jenkins to add a fifth for the visitors.

Hythe could yet be joined in Southern Counties East next season by Phoenix Sports, who suffered a second 1-0 defeat to Beckenham in the space of five days.

Beckenham keeper Mitchell Beeney was the star of the show, making two penalty saves to leave Phoenix eight points from safety with four games remaining.

Phoenix had already hit the woodwork through Bradley Ryan by the time Beeney saved Jerson Dos Santos’ spot-kick before half-time.

Louie Theophanous scored the winner early in the second half, with Beeney producing another spot-kick save to deny the hosts an equaliser.

At the other end of the table, leaders Ramsgate are two wins from the title as they remain seven points clear of Sittingbourne.

Roarie Deacon’s 20th-minute goal was enough for Rams to defeat Broadbridge Heath 1-0 at Southwood in front of 1,734.

It also saw Ramsgate go through the 100-point barrier, with Ben Smith’s side sitting on an incredible 102 points from 38 games.

Ryan Maxwell’s Brickies continue to push them all the way, winning 3-0 at home to Erith Town.

Mitchell May gave