RAYLEIGH Town hope to be crowned Essex Olympian Premier Division champions tonight.

Table-topping Rayleigh host Sungate at Concord Rangers’ Aspect Arena this evening.

And vice president Derik Lamont is confident the club can clinch promotion into Thurlow Nunn South.

“Having narrowly missed out on promotion last season we are on the brink of promotion with one game to go which is tonight,” said Lamont.

“We entertain Sungate FC from East London who are also seeking promotion and are currently in third place, three points behind us.

“We have a better goal difference by nine so provided we avoid defeat by five goals we will be crowned champions and gain the single promotion slot.”

Rayleigh have triumphed in 21 of their 25 games so far this season, scoring 78 goals and conceding just 21.

The fine form has seen Town pick up 64 points.

And it has been a memorable first season in charge for manager Rob Hodgson.

“We brought in a new management team this season led by former Hullbridge Sports player Rob Hodgson,” confirmed Lamont.

“We have had an excellent season, reaching the semi final of the League Cup, quarter final of the Anagrams Trophy and we are in the BBC Essex Premier Cup Final to be played next Wednesday at Aveley’s Parkside ground.”

Former Great Britain international hurdler Gianni Frankis has top scored for Rayleigh with 20 goals so far this season.

And the team also boasts an England international.

“We currently have amongst our numbers Matt Oaten who represents the England international deaf team and will be travelling this summer to the European Championship.” said Lamont.

“Historically we have had a lot of top local players play for the club including ex Southend United players Neil Harris and Scott Ashenden as well as Lewis Manor who is now at Hornchurch.”

But Rayleigh remain hungry to kick on and it is that ambition which led to them having to groundshare away from the town.

“Although we have our own home ground at London Road we have for the past two seasons had a groundshare agreement with Concord Rangers FC playing at the Aspect Arena in order to attain the requisite ground grading for the Thurlow Nunn,” said Lamont.

“However, the club are looking to progress and are currently in talks with the council over relocation in the hope of securing land suitable to develop a facility to move further up the football pyramid.”

Tonight’s match kicks off at 7.45pm and is free to watch.