There are an impressive selection of both league and cup fixtures for Kent’s football fans to get excited about this weekend.
Ebbsfleet United are the only top level side playing in the National League this weekend after they were knocked out of the FA Trophy last month. They face arguably one of their toughest fixtures of the season on Saturday when Daryl McMahon’s side travel to in-form Tranmere. After their tough loss to Boreham Wood last weekend the Fleet will be looking to return to winning ways.
All three other top level Kent sides are in Trophy action this weekend. Maidstone United have a chance to avenge their 2-1 defeat at Gateshead last week when they welcome the Tynesiders to the Gallagher Stadium as part of the third round.
Down the M20, Dover Athletic are in action when they welcome Leyton Orient to Crabble. Chris Kinnear’s squad have the chance to turn their focus away from their National League promotion push and instead can begin to look towards a road to Wembley.
Bromley on the other hand, face a road trip for their tie. The Ravens face a long trip to Derwent Park to face Workington AFC of the Evo Stik Premier. The North West side have only won one of their last five games, but have already beaten higher level opposition on their way to this round.
There isn’t a full schedule of games in the National League South this weekend, but the highlight comes from St Albans’ Clarence Park where they host first placed Dartford. The Darts could go six points clear at the top of the table with a win whilst the hosts are one of the many sides in the hunt for the playoffs.
Welling United are out of action this weekend due to the FA Trophy, but they were busy on transfer deadline day. The wings secured the signing of 19 year old Brighton goalkeeper Bailey Vose on loan until the end of the season.
The Bostik Premier gives us our first full schedule of this weekend’s action with all three Kent sides in the league being involved. Margate, who recently climbed up to third in the division, welcome relegation threatened Lowestoft to Thanet.
Just four points behind the Gate sit Folkestone Invicta, who refuse to let their limited resources hinder them. Neil Cugley’s side have been in the playoff positions for the majority of the season and will be looking to continue that trend when they host Brightlingsea Regent.
Tonbridge Angels are close to being cut adrift of the playoff race. They’ll need to pick up three points at Needham Market to kick start their season.
The title race in the Bostik South is hotting up, and at the centre of it are Cray Wanderers. The Wands currently sit two points behind Lewes but could go top if they win at Thamesmead Town in an all-Kent clash this weekend.
Hythe Town still have a slim chance of being in the playoff picture in the fourth tier by the end of the season. They’ll need to quickly start picking up points in the coming months, starting this weeked with a game at Carshalton.
Many of the rest of Kent’s sides in the Bostik South will need to be content with mid table finishes this season. This weekend Ashford United host Corinthian Casuals at Homelands whilst just up the road Faversham Town welcome Chipstead to the Shephard Neame Stadium.
Sittingbourne and Herne Bay are on the road at South Park and Molesey respectively whilst VCD Athletic host Hastings United.
The weekend’s action in the top four tiers comes to an end with Ramsgate’s trip to Whyteleafe and Phoenix Sports’ away fixture at Walton Casuals.
Picture supplied by Dave Budden.