Bexley Borough is well served by clubs between Non-League steps two to five allowing local residents plenty of option but how have the various clubs performed so far this season?
Welling United
Last season, the club came desperately close to winning promotion but lost to the only goal in the promotion decider at Woking. Having not quite got over the line to the league where the additional travel costs are far outweighed by the increased sponsorship monies, owner Mark Goldberg has had to reduce the playing budget and Welling are currently in fifteenth place. Their F.A. Cup and Trophy runs were both ended by clubs from the division above, however, they are only six points off the play-off zone so there is still plenty at stake.
VCD Athletic
Keith McMahon’s Vickers have hit a little blip and have won just one point out of the last twelve so have dropped out of the play-off zone. However, they are playing attractive football and are still well placed in ninth, only three points behind Whyteleafe. Although they have several youngsters in the team they also have the experience of the likes of Ali Fuseini and Charlie MacDonald to give them some guidance on the pitch.
Phoenix Sports
Just three points behind the Vickers are their neighbours Phoenix Sports. They have been inconsistent but on their day they can beat anyone as they proved on Saturday by beating Cray Valley PM in a game that defeat cost the Millers top spot in the league. They have also defeated Charlton Athletic U23s in the Kent Senior Cup. They have only failed to score twice all season and have been involved in some high scoring games.
Erith Town
After a dreadful start to the season, the Dockers have climbed steadily up the Sea Pioneer Ltd Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division, and are now in tenth place. However, some of their recent biggest achievements have been off the pitch. They have had a successful day when they allowed spectators in for donations to the local foodbank, run eight sides in the Selkent and Kent Youth League and run coaching sessions for boys and girls at King Henry School.
Erith and Belvedere
Also in the same division following their promotion last season, the Deres are slowly coming to terms with their return to step five. Their recent resurgence, after nine consecutive defeats, included a draw with league leaders Beckenham Town who were indebted to an equaliser in the last minute. However that run was ended with a five-nil defeat at in-form Sheppey United and they will be looking to bounce back quickly.
Welling Town
Although their ground is just outside the Bexley part of Thamesmead, the Boots were playing in the borough at Hall Place until moving into Bayliss Avenue. They have climbed the leagues quickly since forming in 2014 as a Sunday League side and were promoted as First Division champions last season. They are currently in eighth place but due to cup football they have only played four league games since the end of October.