DORCHESTER Town have been sucked into the Pitching In Southern League Premier South bottom three after Kings Langley beat Merthyr Town 1-0.

Glenn Howes' men are now 20th in the table, one point behind Kings Langley with a game in hand after today's postponement at Farnborough.

Dorchester have 10 games left to rectify the situation, which currently leaves the Magpies on course for relegation.

FA rules for relegation in the four Step 3 divisions this season allow for nine teams to go down, with three reprieves.

The bottom two in each league will take the drop, with the worst of the four third-bottom clubs joining them based on points per game (PPG).

READ MORE: Dorset's top clubs affected as FA confirms 2021/22 relegations and promotions

As it stands, Dorchester have the worst PPG of the four third-bottom sides with 0.78 versus Northern Premier team Nantwich (1), Isthmian Premier club Brightlingsea (0.93) and Southern League Central outfit Lowestoft (0.92).

Dorset Echo: Dorchester have 10 games left to haul themselves out of trouble Picture: DORSET ECHODorchester have 10 games left to haul themselves out of trouble Picture: DORSET ECHO

The Magpies are faced with the scenario after bottom side Merthyr, who saw a Matthew Harris effort cleared off the line, had enjoyed the better of play against Lango until the 75th minute.

Jamie Jellis then broke the deadlock when he was allowed to control inside the area and fire past Martyrs' keeper Jaimie Cogman.

Kings Langley then held on to complete their second straight win, elevating them to 19th.