Whitstable Town FC

The other semi-final should produce Beckenham Town as stiff cup final opposition. They play at home against Tunbridge Wells who they beat three goals to nil in the league two weeks ago. Both sides managed to lose last weekend, although against sides at opposite ends of the spectrum. Beckenham's class should overwhelm again, but don't lose sight of the fact that this is all Wells have left to play for this season while Becks eyes are focused on promotion. I've said it before it's cup football and anything can happen during those vital 90 minutes.

Mounting pressure to finish the league schedule on time has once again produced some midweek league matches. Pick of the crop tonight (28th) is Deal Town's trip to Beckenham Town. A vital game for both sides, victory for Deal would put them level on points with Herne Bay, a win for Becks would put them back on top. After dropping a shed load of points from the games they held in hand, Deal need to build on last weekend's win against Slade Green to stop their season slipping away. VCD visit their former landlords Lordswood. No strangers to the Sports Club pitch VCD will give as good as they get, should be a close game with both sides well matched and in good form. Erith Town visit Greenwich Borough to contest the wooden spoon position, a win or draw would keep Boro' above the opposition.

Back to next Saturday and the Kentish Observer Footbal League. In an otherwise poor league programme our friends at Herne Bay entertain Maidstone United while Erith & Belvedere are paid a visit by Deal Town. A win for the Blues would really upset Maidstone's apple cart and is definitely not beyond the realms. A closely fought contest full of passion should ensue, our neighbours will be expecting the backlash from last weeks game against Town, and as we all witnessed a couple of weeks ago they won't lay down for anybody. Deal Town's performance is likely to be coloured by their Tuesday night result. Win or lose a good performance will spur them on to three points against a Dere's side who, although six games unbeaten, seem to have lost a bit of self-belief, on the flip side if they lose badly Deal might be the ones who are lacking spirit on the day. Currently with the same tally a point or better will put the Deres ahead of Town although they will have have played three games more.

Thamesmead Town need a win at Erith Town to be sure E & B can't overtake them in the table. Mead demonstrated their good spirit last weekend as well as reminding everyone that they are still in the title chase, their only problem is that they might run out of games before catching the top two. The Dockers should be no obstacle for them as they cruise onto six wins in a row.

What would normally be a good mid-table scrap, Hythe Town versus Lordswood, has been devalued by Hythe's incredible poor form this season. With a record that reads W4 D4 L11 you wonder how, when Richard Sinden has 19 league goals to his credit this year, they haven't been able to tighten up at the back and grind out more results. Their visitors have only been average themselves this year roughly winning, drawing and losing in equal part. If the weather stays nice on the coast it could be a well contested match, if it blows and rains it could be a bore draw.

"Another one down just seven left 'til next season" might well be among the thoughts of both managers at the Sevenoaks Town v Greenwich Borough match. Not a lot to cheer about for either side this year as neither has produced the goods. Going on Sevenoaks current form LDLDL?.should be a draw.

Lastly, the Mile End stadium beckons Slade Green to test their mettle against Sporting Bengal United. Although Sporting haven't scored in their last 320 minutes of play and Green didn't manage to score last week at Deal I suspect we may see a few goals go in this week. Mind you, I also suspect all the singing after the game will be on the coach out of town!

Only one game for the reserves this week which is tonight (28th) in the Floodlight Trophy competition. Kick off 7.45pm. The opposition, Herne Bay, are currently second to Town at the top of the table two points behind. I love the relaxed atmosphere at these games. Eastenders and Holby tonight, why not come down for a pint?

Come on you Reds!

Peter Albin. 28th February