Knockout football returns for a number of the county’s teams this weekend whilst league fixtures continue for others.
The second weekend of 2018 means the second round of the FA Trophy is upon us and there are three matches around Kent to watch the second tier knockout competition in England.
The first of which comes from Stonebridge Road where Ebbsfleet United host Warrington Town of the Northern Premier League. Daryl McMahon’s team will be looking to reach the third round of the competition which they famously won in 2008.
Dover Athletic, who have never won the competition, are also at home this weekend. They host Evo Stik Premier side Marine FC at Crabble with a third round place at stake.
Just up the M20 from the coastal town, Maidstone United will be welcoming Essex side Heybridge Swifts to the Gallagher Stadium. The Stones haven’t reached the third round since the 1987-88 season and will be looking to change their fortune this week.
Bromley are also in Trophy action this weekend. They make the long trip to the North East to face Blyth Spartans looking for a place in the next round as well as £7,000 from the FA’s prize fund.
There is also action in the rest of non-league with the leagues below the National League Premier. Dartford will be looking to continue their pursuit of the National League South title when Havant and Waterlooville travel to Princes Park. Welling United aren’t in action this weekend.
Following a difficult game against Billericay last weekend, Margate’s tough run goes on in the Bostik Premier. On Saturday they welcome title chasing Dulwich Hamlet to Thanet knowing a win could propel them towards the playoff places.
Tonbridge Angels, the other Kent side in the division, travel to Leatherhead on Saturday knowing they could be facing a season of mid table obscurity of they don’t improve their form soon.
Following their 4-2 midweek win over VCD Athletic, Cray Wanderers go into this weekend level on points with Lewes at the top of the table. They make the long trip to Guernsey hoping for another three points in the 2pm kick off.
Elsewhere, VCD will be looking to return to winning ways when they host Carshalton whilst Sittingbourne are also at home to Hastings. Hythe Town, Ramsgate and Herne Bay are away at Corinthian Casuals, East Grinstead Town and Greenwich Borough respectively as well.
Back at home, Faversham Town welcome Molesey to the Shephard Neame Stadium whilst Ashford United and Thamesmead Town are on the road to face Walton Casuals and South Park.