BANSTEAD'S future in the Premier League lies in the balance after they suffered a heavy defeat at home to Sutton, who clinched the Championship with a comprehensive victory at Avenue Road.

Banstead now lie one place above the relegation berths, eight points clear with one fixture remaining.

Captain Jak Martin was disappointed with the margin of defeat but was philosophical about their last cup final of the season.

He said: "We didn't come close today and really missed some key players. Congratulations to Sutton, they have performed all season, and to win ahead of the final game is quite an achievement.

"For us – well at least our fate is in our hands. It should be great game against Wimbledon, and we are at home. I know this team is good enough to do it."

At least Martin lead from the front. Building on an excellent second wicket stand of 85 between Mark Houghton (32) and Tom Lancefield who hit 57, Martin struck 64 of the team's next 100 runs to hold together the innings, as wickets fell steadily at the other end.

With only Dan Newton (19) contributing.

Following Martin's dismissal, seventh out, Adam Clarke (14) and Dan Gale (22 no) edged Banstead towards 250.

Sutton made light of their target with Zoheb Sharif and David Sampson's opening partnership of 71 taking the game away from Banstead, and although Dan Gale and Mark Houghton struck to remove the openers, a fluent 92 no from Arun Arinath and 45 not out from Gary Outram saw Sutton home.