Ringmer AFC lose 6-0 and 7-1 in a week of heavy Southern Combination scorelines

Ringmer AFC conceded 13 goals across two heavy defeats in four days. On Saturday 26 September they lost 6-0 at Dial Square, whose scorers were Adam Aziz (two), Harry Rice, Charlie Plant, Ross Ewen and Joshua Adjei. Three days later, at the Caburn, they lost 7-1 to Mile Oak. According to Mile Oak, the game was probably over at half-time with the visitors three up. Ringmer briefly responded before their numbers 6, 8 and 11 were sent off, and Oak scored four more against the eight who remained.

The result came on a night when Jack Marriott was presented with a memento before kick-off for reaching 250 appearances for Mile Oak. Off the pitch, the club announced Aaron Lockwood as its new captain, thanking Liam Dance for five seasons as he moves on. Shoreham then welcomed Dance, calling him a great addition for the next day's big game.

Dial Square, meanwhile, followed the Ringmer win with a 0-0 draw at Reigate Priory on Wednesday 30 September, played at The New Defence, which Reigate Priory share with Horley Town. The point stretched their unbeaten league run to six and put them sixth with a game in hand over fifth-placed Guildford City. Striker Harry Rice turned his ankle badly and is expected to be out for at least four weeks.

Jarvis Brook began the week by extending their winning run to eight with a 4-0 victory over Shoreham. On Tuesday they drew 1-1 with Loxwood, who had taken the lead. Loxwood had lost 1-0 to Saltdean United on Saturday. Jarvis Brook have since faced Guildford City, who are newcomers to the division.

Loxwood also issued a club statement saying they were appalled by racist abuse directed at one of their players during a match the previous day. The club said it stands with the player, has reported the incident to the relevant authorities and holds the individual, not his club, responsible.

At Guildford City, Luke Mitchell scored twice — the second an 83rd-minute penalty after George Bamgboye was fouled — in a 2-1 home win over Arundel. The club's report put the attendance at 164. Arundel had drawn 1-1 with Oakwood on the Saturday, with Cal Stobart named man of the match for his goal.

Elsewhere, Infinity beat Halisham Town 2-0 on Saturday, and Worthing United beat AFC Walcountians 3-1 before losing 2-1 at Westfield on Tuesday. Saltdean United beat Shoreham 5-2 on the same Tuesday night.