The only direct promotion is by winning the division and, although there is a play-off spot available against the winners of North One West, Bees’ first-team manager Benji Pickin said: “Gaining promotion is still a long way off but third place would be a very good achievement after coming up last season.” The fifth-placed Bees started with the experienced Andy Smith in the front row as the hosts demoted Michael Crotch, who has a habit of picking up yellow cards, to the bench.