Premier Division – 26th July
SCEFL Premier Division Opening Day 2025/26
Hythe Town got their season off to a flying start as new manager Ira Jackson oversaw an impressive 3-0 win away at Corinthian. Alex Barnes opened the scoring in the 18th minute before Tunmise Akanni doubled the advantage before half-time. Isaac Hadlow struck after the break to seal a dream debut for Jackson at Gay Dawn Farm.
Whitstable Town also made a strong statement with a 2-1 home victory over fellow promotion hopefuls Punjab United. Javaun Splatt bagged both goals in the first half in front of a bumper 625 crowd at The Belmont. Jack Hopkins pulled one back for Punjab in the 28th minute, but it wasn’t enough to spoil the party.
Faversham Strike Force were seconds away from a perfect start to the season, only to be denied by a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser from Sutton Athletic. Harry Taylor had put Stuart Benfield’s side ahead with ten minutes to go, but substitute Alfie Eldridge struck in the 96th minute to snatch a point.
Kennington edged out Chislehurst Glebe 2-1 at Homelands, with all the goals coming after the break. Euan Biggleston and Kimsley Gatakata were on target for Dan Scorer’s side, while Jamie Philpot’s 94th-minute reply came too late to change the outcome.
Bearsted opened their campaign with a solid 1-0 win at Holmesdale thanks to a second-half strike from substitute Mark Boruk.
Late drama was also the theme at the Artic Stadium as Snodland Town claimed a 2-1 win over Stansfeld. Asanti Amoah broke the deadlock in the 76th minute, only for Sam Plant to level shortly after. But Harry Hudson had the final say, netting a stunning winner with just a minute left.
Hollands & Blair kicked off their campaign with a narrow 1-0 home win over Phoenix Sports. Kristian Wigg struck early, heading in the decisive goal in just the eighth minute.
Fisher got off to a flying start to the campaign, winning 2-0 at Tunbridge Wells. Chibueze Echem and Kelvin Bakare got the goals, deep in the second half.
Larkfield & New Hythe and Erith & Belvedere played out a 1-1 draw, with all the action coming in the first half. Tyler Ibe gave the Larks a ninth-minute lead, only for a Rob Strachan leveller to ensure the points were shared.