What is the current state of play in Step 3?

This is the part of the season that us football fans absolutely love. With just a handful of fixtures left to be played, there is so much still be decided across all corners of the pyramid. 
In this article we take a look at the twists and turns that still have to be played out in the promotion and relegation battles within the four Step 3 leagues.
Bostik Premier League 
While the title race in the Bostik Premier never really materialized after Dorking Wanderers cantered away from the chasing pack to secure a nineteenth promotion in thirteen years, there is still plenty still to be decided in the division.
Second placed have secured their position in the end of season play-offs, however a real dogfight remains to be fought for the other three sports, with just six point separating third placed Tonbridge Angels and Folkestone Invicta, who are sitting in ninth.
A similar mouth watering duel awaits us at the other end of the table, with bottom of the table Harlow Town sitting just three points away from 19th placed Whitehawk, with Burgess Hill Town and separating them. Three of these sides will have to go down but as things stand it is incredibly hard to know who those teams will be!
Northern Premier League 
After what has been a long, hard battle at the summit of the table, Farsley Celtic currently hold a slender three point lead over second placed South Shields, while , who have spent much of the campaign at the top, sit a point behind the Mariners.
Fourth placed Nantwich Town are all but guaranteed a place in the play-offs, while just two points separate Gainsborough Trinity and Buxton in the scrap for the final spot.
At the bottom, ‘s fate has already been decided, while 20th placed Bamber Bridge are two points adrift from safety.
However, Brigg gave themselves a huge lifeline with a superb 2-0 win at at the weekend and the Lancashire side now have the likes of Mickleover Sports, Staylrbdige Celtic, and Stafford Rangers all potentially in their sights.
Southern Premier South 
It has been a tantalizing title race but Weymouth can wrap it up it up if they beat on Saturday and other results go in their favour, while the battle for the final play-off place is between and Poole Town, who are currently locked on points.
In the scrap to remain in the division, Staines Town have already suffered relegation and Frome Town look almost certain to follow them, however 20th placed are just two points behind 19th placed Walton Casuals and three points away from Basingstoke Town.
Southern Premier Central 
In truth, the Southern Premier Central probably represents the Step 3 division with the least exciting run in!
Kettering Town have looked absolutely unstoppable this season and deservedly got their hands on the trophy following their win at Halesowen Town last weekend.
Meanwhile, Stourbirdge, King’s Lynn Town, Alvechurch and Stratford Town all look pretty comfortable in the play-off picture and with Bedworth United and Halesowen’s relegation already confirmed, St Neots Town need a miraculous turn of events if they are going to pull of the great escape.

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