On Wednesday evening, Erith Town host Tower Hamlets in a South East Counties Football League Challenge Cup fixture.  

There were very different results for the two teams on Saturday. The Dockers won two-one at Holmesdale. Michael Power scored a first half penalty and Alfie Eldridge made it two early in the second half. Although Nathan Palmer pulled one back, Erith held on to claim the points.  

As pleased as they were to win the game and cement their place in the top four, they were delighted with the performance of young Ronnie McLean. He is the seventh under eighteen player to play in the Dockers’ first team this year showing that there is a good pathway for their up and coming players.

Visitors, Tower Hamlets had a torrid time at home to Chatham Town, losing ten-nil. The Chats were seven-up at the break with Dan Bradshaw having already claimed the match ball. Jack Evans completed his hat-trick after the interval and the other goalscorers were Ryan Hayes (2), Jack Richards and Jordy Robins. It’s proving to be a difficult season for the Hamlets who are bottom of the table with just five points.

When the two teams met in the league back in September, the game was as good as over by half time. Steadman Callender’s brace put the Dockers two up and Sam Bailey added a third before the break. Although Tami Ogunnowo pulled one back with five minutes remaining, it was too little too late as the Dockers claimed the points.

Whether the two managers put out their strongest teams for this cup competition remains to be seen but both clubs will want to win for their own reasons.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.