Eastleigh's promotion party had a bitter-sweet feel to it after Paul Doswell's men had another of their off-days at the Sparshatts Stadium.

But despite falling to a 2-1 home defeat by jinx side Sittingbourne, last season's Wessex League champions can uncork the champagne again knowing that a top-seven Eastern Division finish is guaranteed.

As far as director of football Mark Dennis is concerned, he would rather save his celebrations for Wednesday night after what he hopes will be a vastly improved performance at home to fellow promoted club Folkestone Invicta.(7.45).

Dennis reflected: "Fortunately the results went for us on Saturday with Bashley and Banbury losing, but we didn't play at all well ourselves. It was one of those disinterested, end of season games that never got started.

"That said, we're sitting in fourth place and that's a fine achievement for our first season in the Southern League. It's reflects well on everyone from the president and chairman through to the management and coaching staff that we're going into the Premier Division.

"To be honest," the ex-Saint admitted, "I wouldn't have stayed if we hadn't got promoted because I would have judged that as a failure.

"With the side we had, I expected us to finish in the top six and if you don't set yourself standards, then you're not going to go much higher."

Although Paul Sales, the Eastern Division leading marksman, again found the target for Eastleigh - his 27th DML/Cup goal of the season - it was sandwiched between two second-half goals from Brickies skipper Jamie Coyle.

"That's six points we've lost to Sittingbourne this season and, with respect, we should be beating teams like that," said manager Doswell.

Bashley's chances of joining Eastleigh and Salisbury in the Premier Division next season suffered a huge blow at the hands of league leaders Tonbridge Angels.

Having pulled off a shock 2-0 win over the Kent table-toppers two weeks ago, the Foresters found themselves on the end of a stinging 6-0 revenge attack at the Recreation Ground.

Brendon Cass weighed in with a first-half hat-trick and Bash suffered a repeat dose of punishment after the break as Luke Piscina (2) and Tony Dolby (penalty) weighed in.

With three games to go, it leaves Bash seven points adrift of seventh-placed Stamford and three behind Banbury United, who occupy the play-off position of eighth.

The Foresters have a game in hand over both those clubs but face another mammoth task tomorrow away to second-placed King's Lynn (7.45).

Bash boss John Robson reflected: "Tonbridge are a very good side, but we beat them two weeks ago because we were a very good side and did everything right against them. Unfortunately we didn't come out of the dressing room this time and Tonbridge were on top for the whole 90 minutes. They came here to do a job and I've got total respect for them.

"That's our goal difference out of the window. The seven we scored against Fleet on Monday could have been like an extra point to us, but that's gone after letting in six."