There’s a full Bet Victor South East programme for “THE GAFFER” to get his teeth into this week in his own inimitable way following last weekend’s visit into the FA Trophy.
Some cracking fixtures for us to look at and we start with Tommy Warrilow’s unbeaten Ashford United as they welcome Kevin Watson’s new boys Cray Valley PM to Homelands…
Ashford United v Cray Valley (PM) – Ashford still going strong and 100 per cent – some stat that is going into October. Cray Valley though are a good side with some good players. Coming into the League this year, I thought that they’d be a decent side carrying on from last season, but it’s very hard to look past Ashford at the moment. Their 100 percent record has to go eventually, but they’re flying; Tommy Warrilow’s been there and done it at various levels and is a very good manager. Their confidence must be sky high – on their day, Cray Valley can go to Homelands and get something, but I don’t think Saturday will be that day.
Faversham Town v Whitehawk – Faversham have had a good start and I think surprised a few, but Whitehawk have got ambitions to get out of this League and get back to the higher level as soon as they can. At home, Faversham can be a decent team and will be looking to bounce back from their Trophy exit last week, but I really can’t see past an away win I’m afraid!
Hastings United v Sevenoaks Town – Hastings are a lot of people’s tip – including mine – to be there at the end of the season. I even said a couple of weeks ago that it wouldn’t surprise me if anyone finishes above them, they’ll win the League. Sevenoaks go there top of the League on top of some really great results, but Hastings is always a difficult place for the away team to go to and get anything. Micky’s got a good side, but it’s these sorts of games where I believe that Hastings will come through. It could go either way as Sevenoaks aren’t top for no reason and will be a very tight game which could go either way. If Sevenoaks could win, it would send a massive statement to the rest of the League that’s for sure!
Hythe Town v Haywards Heath Town – Hythe have new faces as they rebuild with some great signings – Alex Flisher is a great signing for them – I’m sure that the players that Steve has brought in will make Hythe a very strong side indeed. Haywards Heath though are a good side and were up there last season. Of course, they knocked Ramsgate out of the Trophy in midweek. It’s a hard game to call but Hythe’s new squad may be strong, but they might need time to gel which is something they haven’t yet had! Hythe is a tough place to go; Haywards Heath are a big strong side – I think it’s a got a draw written all over it!
Phoenix Sports v Burgess Hill Town – Burgess Hill started the season with an incredible result (sorry to remind Hythe fans of the Sussex side scoring seven) but since then, they’ve won one in five. Phoenix started slowly but they’ve had some great results recently and I thought they’d be up there this season, and I think the home side will win this one especially as Burgess Hill haven’t yet won away. That said, it’s a very tight League and anyone can beat anyone on their day!
Ramsgate v East Grinstead Town – following the announcement of Jason Lillis becoming Head of Coaching Development, I’ll be interested to see if that means Jason takes over the running of the team as well. Known him a long time and I think he’s a brilliant coach, but it’s been a strange season for Ramsgate so far and I’m sure that they will improve eventually. East Grinstead lost a few players in the summer and it could be a long season for them quite possibly starting at Southwood on Saturday. Ramsgate to win this one – the start of them climbing up the League table.
Whitstable Town v Three Bridges – Great wins for Whitstable in the last week – beating Chalfont in the Trophy last week and Cray Valley in the Kent Cup in midweek – Blackie’s doing a good job at the Belmont and it hasn’t taken too much time and they’ve certainly changed the way they play as they’re not as direct as they were with the last manager. Last week’s win was a brilliant win and they could well get themselves another win.
Guernsey v VCD Athletic (Sunday) – Guernsey’s first home game of the season after the athletics track at their Footes Lane ground was relaid into an eight laner! Ross Allen has resigned for them which from being in New Zealand and he adds something to any team. That said, Keith will take a good side to the Island and he’ll be looking to get a result and believing that VCD can build on their great start which sees them fourth. Given the fact that it is Guernsey’s first game, I’m sure the place will be packed which could make it an even bigger scalp for VCD to claim. The home crowd is a massive advantage for Guernsey – this really is a big game for both sides and I won’t be surprised if the game finishes as a draw!