Whitstable Town FC

THE BIG MATCH. There is no more enjoyable derby in the Kent League for local fans than when Whitstable Town play Herne Bay. The added spice of cup competition is bound to add an edge to the game on Saturday as the Reds host the Bay in the Lea-Ray Kent Senior Trophy 2nd round, kick off at 3.00pm. Yet to meet in the Kent League the two teams are showing similar form, which promises a close game and surely the best fixture for the independent spectator this weekend.

Meanwhile the Reserves have two Tuesday night home fixtures in the Floodlight Trophy, tonight (22nd) versus Sittingbourne and next week against Lordswood. Perhaps more importantly they play away in the KOFL 1st division on Saturday at Erith & Belvedere.  They will be hoping to retain pole position in the reserves league in front of Thamesmead Town who play at home against Herne Bay.

There are seven other senior fixtures in the 2nd round of the KST taking place on Saturday, KOFL Premier leaders Beckenham Town have a home draw against Crockenhill who were 2-1 winners in the first round over Bearsted.

Erith town beat neighbouring Erith & Belvedere first time out, only to be drawn away in this second round to an upbeat Sevenoaks who recorded their first league win last week. Penalty winners in the 1st round Tunbridge Wells have a difficult home fixture against a confident Maidstone United, hot from their demolition of Andover in the Vase last weekend. Another great derby if you live down in that part of the world. All kick off at 3.00pm.

VCD Athletic have a 1.30pm kick off against Hythe Town at the Oakwood ground. The other half past one starters are Milton Athletic playing host to Whitstables latest victims Greenwich Borough, Deal Town who travel to West Wickham and Lordswood's first round conquerors Cray Valley play at home against newly formed Faversham Town.

With the fixtures well spread out there's no reason not to take in a game this weekend, before we get roped into those festive shopping expeditions!

Peter Albin 22nd November 2005.