As the FA Cup reaches its second round this weekend, there is still a chance for one of Kent’s non-league teams to progress whilst the rest prepare for league fixtures.
Maidstone United travel to MK Dons knowing a win will set them up for a third round tie – potentially against Premier League opposition. In their way are MK Dons who beat Hyde United 4-0 to reach this point. Jay Saunders’ side will be looking to better the performance of Dover Athletic who travelled to Stadium: MK at this stage in 2013, losing 1-0.
Dover are in action themselves this weekend when they make the short trip to Bromley in an all-Kent fixture. Just two points separate the two sides with Neil Smith’s side sitting just below the coastal club.
Although there is no game for Ebbsfleet United this weekend, there has been news coming out of Stonebridge Road in the form of loan moves for Danny Mills and Bagasan Graham who have moved to Dartford and Chelmsford respectively.
Mills could be in action this weekend for the Darts when they travel to Poole Town. They currently sit top of the National League South whilst their opponents currently take up the final relegation position.
Also looking for promotion from the National League South this season are Welling United, who are in the play-off places through their superior goal difference over Hemel Hempstead Town. The Wings welcome East Thurrock United to the north of the county after being knocked out of the FA Trophy last week.
The fixture of the weekend in the Bostik Premier involves Folkestone Invicta and their trip to Wingate & Finchley. Invicta have experienced a fantastic season so far, sitting in third place behind high spending Billericay and Dulwich Hamlet. Neil Cugley’s side have only lost three league games all season and hope that record will continue on Saturday.
Elsewhere in the league, Margate can continue to put pressure on the clubs in the play-off positions when they travel to struggling Burgess Hill Town. Tonbridge Angels are also in action and they host Merstham at Longmead.
The pick of the games in the Bostik South on Saturday afternoon comes from Ramsgate’s Southwood Stadium when they welcome Herne Bay.
Another all Kent match comes from Homelands where Ashford United welcome Thamesmead Town. Sittingbourne are also in action and they’ll look to get back into the playoff spots at East Grinstead Town.
Also looking for promotion this season are Cray Wanderers. The Hayes Lane club face a trip to Carshalton this weekend.
However, the away journey of the weekend will be taken by VCD Athletic. They’re faced a 2pm kick off on Saturday as they travel to Guernsey.
Elsewhere Hythe Town welcome Hastings United, Phoenix Sports are at home to Horsham and Faversham Town face Whyteleafe in Surrey.
Picture supplied by Dave Budden.