Each week, with the help of a former Isthmian League manager, KSN will preview the weekend’s games involving our Bet Victor South East Division.
But as this week none of our sides are in League action, we’ve let him loose on the Premier Division and the first Preliminary Round of the FA Trophy, as well as the potential relegation six pointer from National League South!
These then are the thoughts and the predictions of THE GAFFER who starts this week with that “extra” game – can the Angels begin to fly up the table???
Hampton and Richmond Borough v Tonbridge Angels – another tough one to call as given League positions (22nd v 20th), the Angels will want to go there and get a result. But it’s not an easy please to get a result for any visiting side. It could have a draw written all over it, but Steve McKimm’s worked wonders to get them back to this level and they could well get a result. They’ve worked so hard to get where they are now – they were always there or there abouts in the Ryman Premier before that amazingly complicated Play Off campaign they were forced into last season – they definitely did it the hard way, it was outrageous! If they want to stay in this League, you could say that they have to win games like this one…
Wingate and Finchley v Folkestone Invicta – Neil Cugley is a genius if I’m honest. What he’s achieved at Folkestone and down the years is nothing short of remarkable really – its brilliant! They’re flying at the moment top of the League. I’m sure losing in the Cup last week isn’t going to sit great with Neil and he’ll be looking for a response from his players and I’m sure he’ll get one! They’re always up there every year – how Neil does it I don’t know to keep them always competing in and around the Play Offs. They’re flying in the League at the moment top of the table and they don’t usually lose two on the bounce so it’s a Folkestone win for me! Neil keeps working miracles down there by keeping the same squad together which at this level is so hard to do.
Carshalton Athletic v Margate – this will be a tight game as both of course play on synthetic pitches, and I have to say that I’ve been to a few games there and I do think that Carshalton have one of the best! Both are very good sides on their day, but I think home advantage may be key, and with their home support behind them, I think Carshalton will just edge it.
Cray Wanderers v East Thurrock United – Cray are an excellent footballing team; Tony’s done a great job down there. Last season in the South East they were outstanding – one of the best sides I’ve seen at that level. They’ve improved during the summer, but they’ll take a bit of time adjusting to life in the Premier. They’re playing well at the moment and I can see them giving fourth placed East Thurrock a good game and even beating them! I think Cray are improving every week and may even finish up challenging to get out of this League as well.
Chalfont St Peter v Whitstable Town – a tough game for Whitstable this one. I’ve seen them a couple of times already – Blackie (Lloyd Blackman) is a good manager and coach and he likes to build teams that play football and on their day they’re a good side. But and I’m sure he’ll agree they’re still a bit inconsistent and I think at times they struggle. Their opponents are fourth in the South-Central Division and will be a tough ask for Whitstable to get anything – on their day they have some good players but it’s a difficult afternoon and they’ll do well to take the draw!
Faversham Town v Chertsey Town – the Vase holders come to Kent in another difficult tie for our local sides. Home advantage does make a difference and Faversham have been alright this year particularly at Salters Lane and they’ve surprised a few with the way that they play. They’ll be confident going into the game, but Chertsey did with Vase and have had a decent start in the South-Central division and they’ll come full of confidence – I just don’t know whether Faversham will have enough to get through!
Ramsgate v Hemel Hempstead Town – another tough game for the manager less Rams. It’s a hard game for me – I know they’ve got ambitions to do well this season and will want to appoint sooner rather than later, but Haywards Heath are a good side who surprised a hell of a lot of people last year as to where they finished in their first season back at this level. A big strong team and with all the uncertainty at Ramsgate and no manager, I can’t really see anything else but an away win in this one.