As the third weekend of games in September approaches, Kent’s teams are settling into the regular routine of non-league football again whilst- for some- the dream of an FA Cup run consumes minds.
Dover have been the surprise package of the National League in the early stages of the season and Chris Kinnear’s side will look to continue their good form against Chester. Despite their midweek loss to Boreham Wood, the Whites impressively are currently sat in 5th position.
Further down the table, both Maidstone and Bromley currently have 15 points from their opening ten matches and they’ll be expected to have very differing afternoons on Saturday. Whilst Bromley welcome struggling Solihull Moors to Hayes Lane, Jay Saunders’ Maidstone squad will travel to promotion chasing Macclesfield.
Also in the top level of the non-league pyramid, Ebbsfleet United welcome Tranmere to Stonebridge Road in arguably Daryl McMahon’s toughest challenge since taking charge at the club. They’ll look to get back to form after their unbeaten run came to an end in midweek.
This weekend also marks the second qualifying round of the FA Cup. Welling United will be looking to progress through to the next round with ease on Saturday when they host Haringey Borough of the Bostik South.
Elsewhere in the world’s oldest knockout competition Tunbridge Wells face the tough trip to Concord Rangers, Herne Bay travel to Horsham. There’s also a difficult test awaiting Ramsgate when they make the trip across the Thames to Chelmsford whilst another Thanet side- Margate face Kings Langley of the Southern League Premier.
Folkestone face familiar opposition in Tooting and Mitcham United whilst Faversham have travel to National League South outfit Wealdstone.
Saturday’s cup action can be rounded off at Princes Park where Dartford host Barking. However, this isn’t the final knockout game of the weekend as Thamesmead welcome big spending Billericay Town to the north of the county.
For the teams who have already been eliminated from the competition, there are a handul of Bosti South fixtures over the weekend as well. Hythe Town host Ashford United in a local derby whilst Cray travel to the Dripping Pan to face Lewes and Sittingbourne welcome VCD to Woodstock Sports Ground.
Images courtesy of Dave Budden and Wesley Filtness