Horsham have been left fighting a relegation battle in the Kent/Sussex Regional League following a damaging 4-1 defeat at home to Folkestone.
On a bad day for Sussex clubs, there were defeats for Horsham, Mid Sussex and Worthing with only leaders Brighton recording a victory.
Horsham's plight is looking increasingly bleak and the annual uncertainly over how many teams will be relegated is not helping skipper Richard Lowe.
This defeat left Horsham just two points ahead of Gillingham Anchorians who entertain bottom side Old Williamsonians this Saturday.
Three teams were relegated two years ago although only one went down last year.
Lowe said: "I would be surprised if it is more than two that go down and I am praying it is just one.
"The good thing at the moment is the teams below us are losing as well. The bottom three have been cast adrift a little and they are all important matches now."
Lowe took over as skipper last year when Mark Ansell and a number of other players left.
He said: "We knew it would be hard this year but I didn't realise it would be this hard. There are still eight games left though and we have got to play the two teams below us."
Andy Crossley put Horsham ahead from a short corner on Saturday but Folkestone levelled before half-time and then capitalised on some sloppy defending in the second half.
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