Erith and Belvedere host Chatham Town in a South East Counties Football League Premier Division local derby at Park View Road in Welling.  

It’s a period of transition for the Deres while Chatham Town still have a very real interest in the race for the championship and promotion.

Stuart Webb, the Deres’ caretaker manager has overseen three heavy defeats as he looks to rebuild the side that was decimated when previous manager Owen Jones departed, and the majority of the squad left with him.

Last Tuesday, eight players made their debut when Erith entertained Welling Town and many acquitted themselves reasonably well. Until just before half time, they were only one-nil down but Hassan Oshilaja scored a minute before and a minute after half time. Chris Alhassan pulled one back immediately but Malik Ouani made it four-one with twenty minutes to go. 

Horrendous weather conditions then made playing football almost impossible and there were no more goals until the last nine minutes when four more were scored. Substitute Victor Aivebola scored a spectacular goal for the Deres but the visitors came back with three more to win seven-two. 

Welling Town followed that up with a goal-less draw at Chatham which leaves the Chats five points off top spot in a very tight title race. It was disappointing for Chatham manager Scott Lindsay as his team had won four on the spin since losing at home to Erith Town. However, with the fire power of Jack Evans, the joint third leading scorer in the league despite playing in midfield, they will still be full of confidence. 

Beckenham Town started the season like a runaway train but their dip in form let the chasers in. Corinthian now lead the table but everyone down to sixth placed Holland and Blairs will fancy their chances as only seven points separate the top six so the Chats will want to return to winning ways quickly.