On Monday 27th December, VCD Athletic entertain Phoenix Sport in the Isthmian League South East Division.

This is a derby in the true sense of the word as the two Crayford based clubs can see each other’s grounds when the floodlights are on.

Nick Davis’ Vickers side are comfortably placed in ninth spot in the league table and he will know that a string of good results could propel them into play-off contenders after dropping away when losing every game in  November. They won their last outing four-nil at Hythe Town and will be looking to build on that against their neighbours.

For Phoenix, it has been a long first half of the season. They are bottom of the league at present, nine points away from guaranteed safety. However, former manager Steve O’Boyle has returned to the helm following the departure of Paul Bryon, and has made a number of changes to the personnel. These changes appear to be paying dividend as their performances have picked up of late cumulating in an excellent five-two victory over Three Bridges Town last time out.

There was no meeting between the two teams last season. Their last league meeting was at Oakwood when Phoenix claimed the honours with a three-two win. Charlie MacDonald put the hosts ahead in the sixth minute. However, two goals in three minutes just shy of the hour mark scored by Danny Young and Jack Hopkins, turned the match on its head.

MacDonald restored parity from the spot with twelve minutes remaining but Phoenix took it straight back to the other end and Lee Bird netted the winner less than a minute later.

Both sides have strikers in form. Calvin Poku marked his second Phoenix debut with four goals against Three Bridges whilst Youssef Bamba has scored six goals in their last five games for VCD. The ingredients are all there for an exciting end-to-end game.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.