Awful weather may have blighted this season's County League programme but it certainly has not quelled the promotion race excitement in all three divisions.

While much of the focus has been on the battle for honours in the top two divisions, possibly the most thrilling promotion battle is taking place in Division Three.

Ahead of today's fixtures, the top three sides were all locked on 56 points - but only two of them can go up.

The protagonists are Seaford, Haywards Heath and Rye United, who rose to the top of the pile on goal difference in midweek.

It is Rye's first season back in the league and their success has even surprised boss Alan Hodd.

Asked if he expected promotion this season, Hodd said: "I wouldn't have said we would do that at all. We have picked up players during the year and have got quite a good side at the moment.

"But it is better than what the committee at Rye had hoped for.

"We are a small club compared to the other two in the race. We have a lot of teams vying for players in this area and it is hard to get hold of the decent ones."

With a game in hand, Rye hold the upper hand in the promotion race. They beat Seaford 3-0 last Saturday and they went top on Tuesday after former Hastings striker Shaun Loft scored twice in a 2-1 win at Uckfield Town.

Hodd said: "We are coming good at the right time. If we win another three games we have won it."

While Rye have to fight off the attentions of the likes of Hastings, St Leonards, Sidley, Westfield and Bexhill Town for players, Haywards Heath's problems come in the shape of an excess of local derbies.

Manager Ken Swallow said: "I have always said it would be the tightest league battle of all divisions and we are going right to the wire.

"We have two local derbies in our last three matches (Franklands Village and Ansty Rangers). We are obviously in with a shout but it will be very tight.

"It is difficult for Mid Sussex sides because we play so many derbies. We play ten a season."

Swallow has assembled an experienced, yet very local side, with ace striker John Scriven being the only player not to come from the area.

The experience comes from the likes of Derek Elphick, Graeme Hatt and former Hailsham stalwart Phil Comber, who is currently injured.

Swallow said: "We have a good side and it is good enough to go up but it is in the lap of the gods.

"We were so close to going up last year, it would be a shame to miss out. With the facilities it is a club which should be in Division One."

Three clubs were promoted from Division Three last season and Seaford player-boss Barry Knight is disappointed the same could not happen again.

Knight said: "You look at last year and three went up but this year they have changed it to two. Someone will be upset."

Like their promotion rivals, Seaford have assembled an experienced squad with former Sussex captain Duncan Kneller among the ranks and Knight himself playing a key role in matters.

Seaford have to play Ifield, Newhaven and TSC, with the latter coming on Saturday May 12 which is five days after Rye and Haywards Heath finish.

That may give Seaford an edge but Knight knows it will be tough.

He said: "No one has an easy run-in. The hardest game for us out of those three left will be Newhaven."