Whitstable Town FC

A memorable game at Culverden before Christmas was closer than the 1-3 scoreline reflected, while the game was finely poised Wells were the victims of some outrageous fortune when the ball, apparently, went in the goal and bounced out off a stanchion so quickly the officials missed it completely and waved the play on. It's all hearsay mind, as I was at the other end of the ground. The holiday break was followed by a convincing three-nil win in the Trophy, two goals from Andy Constable and one from Jake Gess all in the second half, settling the Oysterboys half time jitters out on the Gasworks terracing. Denied football by the weather for a couple of weeks, I'm really looking forward to it, see you all there.

Don't forget also that Faversham Town visit us on Tuesday evening (20th) for the Premier Division Cup quarter-final, postponed from Tuesday last week because of a frozen pitch. It seems from their website that Terry Cordice has been winding up his players since before that date for this one, promises to be very competitive. Already qualified for the semis are Thamesmead, Hythe and Herne Bay, the semi-final draw on Radio Kent this Saturday evening at 5.30.

Just a line to remind everyone that VCD Athletic play their postponed FA Vase match on Saturday, against Western Premier's Bideford, for a place in the final eight. The next round has already been drawn and the winners will travel to Billingham Synthonia of the Northern League to contest a semi final place. Yes, they're really that close! Good luck to Fordy and the lads.

Back to the Kent league and top billing this week goes to Croydon versus Herne Bay, 2nd v 7th which doesn't reflect current form. Bay are on song and are looking to cross the divide to the top six who are seven points ahead. Their previous meetings, both at Bay, were 2-1 Croydon in the league and most recently 3-2 to the Blues in the PDC quarter-final. The Trams will be keen to keep the pressure on Whitstable, but will have to be at the top of their game to take the points from Herne Bay who have also dispatched Thamesmead and VCD in quick succession. Quite astonishing form, Bay to win again.

Also worthy of note Greenwich Borough (6th) play Thamesmead Town (4th) at Harrow Meadow. Both early contenders for the league title, both have dropped valuable points to let the top three through, now 17 and 13 points behind the Oystermen respectively. Boro' have refound their direction lately and must be firm favourites to win over a still shakey Mead, home turf helping to redress the 3-1 whipping they received at Bayliss Avenue.

Hythe are breathing down Mead's neck in fifth on goal difference from Boro' and should be assured of taking an advantage from any result in the aforementioned game as they play at Erith Town, a likely three points for the east coast outfit. The home side won one-nil at Reachfields in August when Erith were still fresh and not at all down beat, not very likely to be that close this time, I tip Hythe to keep a clean sheet.

Delving into the mid-table we find Deal Town v Sevenoaks Town and Erith & Belvedere v Slade Green, two good football games for the neutral from four sides who have failed to shine with any consistancy this term, a combined total of only 24 wins in 76 starts between them. Last time round the Deres won four-nil and could repeat that feat as they have a good away record, with only two defeats in ten. Deal and Oaks know each other well, Deal did the double in the PDC group stage while Oaks won 2-0 in their previous league encounter. Deal ought to be good enough, but with only seven points between them and a two game advantage to Sevenoaks the incentive is there for the visitors to make a good fist of it. Deal shouldn't be upset if they only take a point from this one. Should be plenty of goals in both games.

All of which leaves the Sporting Bengal game, and this weeks visitors to the Mile End Road Stadium are Faversham Town. Now normally I make some comment about collecting bonus points or something, but checking the record books turns up a three goals to two away win for the Bengalis at Salters Lane on the 21st October. The winning goal came from a free kick by the impressive Shinsuke Itagaki, I thought he was probably their best player the other week when we met. With the Lilywhites focus on Tuesday evening all the cliches about lightning striking twice, bogey sides and leaving your head in bed apply, please feel free to make your own predictions I'm waiting 'til five on Saturday in case I put my foot in my mouth.

Beckenham's game was postponed due to vickers Vase replay, Lordswood do not have a game.

For all those roving natives who might find themselves stranded in the weald on Saturday the WTFC Reserves are at Sevenoaks in a KFL Division 1 match.

By the way Punxsatawny Phil's forecast on the 2nd Feb was for an early spring, good news for the football season.

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