Whitstable Town FC

The two sides had differing fortunes in the festive derbies with Deal losing away at in form Hythe while Whitstable carried out a smash and grab at Herne Bay. A perennial top half side Deal appear out of sorts in thirteenth spot, with only four wins from fifteen starts this term, but don't be mislead as they are unbeaten at the Charles since the middle of October. Thamesmead and Greenwich came and collected the points, a good yardstick with which to measure the Oystermen's potential. Can we beat the Dealer? See you there.

Second place Thamesmead entertain Greenwich Borough at Bayliss Avenue, Mead will have their work cut out with Borough being unbeaten on the road in seven away matches in the league. A tough fixture then for the home side to turn around their recent form which has produced two losses on the bounce enabling Croydon, Vickers and the visitors to narrow the gap. Greenwich were top dogs themselves early on and are still only five points behind Thamesmead, in fourth and looking to add to their own run of three wins on the trot. Games don't come any harder to predict the outcome of. The 'Oracle' says that any neutrals watching this top KL fixture will witness a gritty match, the home side stealing it by a one goal margin.

An in form Croydon, who have only lost once playing away, travel to Slade Green who have only won the once at home in the KL. The Trams are looking to extend their twelve game unbeaten run and will surely enjoy the friendly atmosphere at the Small Glen. Although Slade Green are in the lower reaches of the league they always raise their game against decent opposition and will test the visitors fully. By all accounts they couldn't have been less interested at Herne Bay in the PDC and although my head says it should be Croydon's day, my heart goes with the home side, I'm backing Green to pick up where they left off at Bayliss.

On a busy day in east London a resurgent Erith and Belvedere side visit nearby VCD Athletic. A close game according to the form book, the Deres have won the last four, three away from PVR, and Vickers have won their last three league games at home. If we judge the outcome on past record VCD should win, if on momentum E & B definitely have the edge at this moment in time. Easy winners three-nil in August Vickers won't find it quite so easy this time 'round but will have enough in their locker to see off the visitor's late in the game.

Herne Bay won the previous game against Faversham by the odd goal in five and the return at Salters Lane will no doubt be another tight affair. Both sides have conceded as many goals as they have scored which is why they are both in mid table position, the game could go two ways a nervy derby or open 'goalfest', either way I think a draw is the most likely outcome, whether nil-nil or three-three neither camp will feel satisfied with just a point.

Hythe Town are also hitting their stride with four wins in the last five games and they travel to Lordswood, always a good test. The Reds are looking to stay in touch with the top five while Lordswood need to close the gap that has opened up above them. If your going to the game, take an extra sweater because the wind whistles across the surrounding pitches and will sap your body heat as you experience the dour struggle on the pitch. Hythe will grind out a 'double' against their hosts.

Someone has told Tunbridge Wells what the large white net is for and they are now using it to climb up from the foot of the table. They will be able to put in some extra practice against Sporting Bengal United and could be in mid table by May. There is a rumour that Sporting have called the game off but the KL site doesn't yet show a postponement, best to call before travelling. If it happens it should be Wells first home win in the league.

Agoraphobics may like to avoid Eden Park Avenue, where support may well be thin for Beckenham Town's game against struggling Erith Town. Nothing much to attract the neutral as Becks go through the motions against the bottom side and with plenty of other games on nearby, Becks may struggle to cover the costs of officials and floodlights. That's step five football, a dear three points for Beckenham.

Wherever you watch your football, enjoy it to the full!   Come on you Reds!

Peter Albin 28/12/06