Saturday 17 January
PREMIER DIVISION
Bearsted v Tunbridge Wells
Corinthian v Kennington
Erith & Belvedere v Hollands & Blair
Faversham Strike Force v Snodland Town
Hythe Town v Chislehurst Glebe
Phoenix Sports v Stansfeld
Sutton Athletic v Larkfield & New Hythe
With the leaders busy defending their Vase, attention swings firmly elsewhere this weekend – and there’s no shortage of drama, especially down in the trenches.
The spotlight starts at the bottom where Hythe Town host Chislehurst Glebe in a colossal six-pointer. Hythe are winless in 12 and staring nervously at the prospect of back-to-back relegations. Five points from safety, this is as close to must-win territory as it gets. Glebe sit just above the line, won last week, and know that stretching the gap to eight would put Hythe firmly on the ropes.
The other relegation spot is currently occupied by Stansfeld, who make the short trip to Phoenix Sports. Seven without a win tells its own story, even if four draws have slowed the bleeding. Phoenix are unbeaten in four and have already beaten Stansfeld twice this season. A third win on the spin against the same opponents? Most would put money on it.
At the top end, second-placed Larkfield & New Hythe head to fifth-placed Sutton Athletic in a big one for the play-off picture. Sutton need stronger home form if they’re serious about cementing a top-five spot, and there’s no better way to start than knocking off the league’s second-best side.
Fourth-placed Bearsted welcome Tunbridge Wells. Wells travel well – it’s their home form that’s keeping them down in 13th – and they did win the reverse fixture 3-2. Bearsted, though, are unbeaten in five and can move level with third with a win. Quietly effective, very Bearsted.
Erith & Belvedere v Hollands & Blair might read mid-table, but with this division being what it is, both still harbour play-off ambitions. Blair are looking to bounce back after last week’s defeat ended a six-game winning run, while the Deres have just one win in nine and badly need a spark. Form says Blair, league says “good luck predicting it”.
Sliding the wrong way fast are Faversham Strike Force, five defeats on the bounce and edging too close to the drop for comfort. They host Snodland Town, who travel well and know three points could shove them right into the play-off mix. Pressure? Absolutely all on the hosts.
Finally, Kennington head to Corinthian looking to end a seven-game winless run. Away form isn’t their friend – one win in 11 on the road – but Corinthian’s home record isn’t exactly intimidating either, with just two wins in 11. Something has to give… though a draw wouldn’t shock anyone.
Premier Division chaos? As ever, fully expected.