Relegation-threatened Canterbury host unbeaten leaders Wimbledon on Sunday as they bid to escape from the drop in the Men’s Hockey League Premier Division.

Currently ninth, Canterbury will once again have to battle against the three Conference winners to preserve their top-flight status if they can’t climb up to eighth.

“This Sunday’s game is hugely important for us,” said Canterbury’s Manager Gary Wyver. “We go into the game unbeaten in three matches so have hit some good form at the right time.

“In the first match at Wimbledon we put in a good first half and led twice so we know we can compete against them. Going forward we need some of our younger players to raise their game to another level as we look to pinch points on Sunday, and then against East Grinstead to hopefully take our hopes of avoiding the play-offs to a final game decider against Brooklands at home.

“We don’t want to think about play-offs yet but if it happens we will be ready. It will be interesting to see who will top of the South and West conferences. It looks as though they could both go down to the wire.”

Elsewhere, eighth-placed Brooklands Manchester University go to Beeston as they aim to keep Canterbury at bay. But Beeston are also desperate for points to continue their push for a play-off spot.

Hampstead and Westminster are currently fourth, and could clinch a place at Finals Weekend if they can win at Reading.

Bottom of the table Loughborough Students face a tough trip to high-flying Surbiton, while Holcombe head to East Grinstead aiming for a repeat of the 2-0 win they secured earlier in the season.

FIXTURES – Sunday, March 12

Men’s Hockey League

Men’s Premier Division

Canterbury v Wimbledon 12:45

East Grinstead v Holcombe 14:00

Men’s Conference East

West Herts v Sevenoaks 14:00

Picture supplied by Simon Parker.