It’s Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division derby day when Erith and Belvedere entertain Phoenix Sports at the Acclaim Handling Community Stadium.

Neither team has started the season well. The Deres have won just once in the league and are bottom of the table with three points from six matches. Phoenix are just two places higher with seven points from eight games, having won twice and drawn once.

On Saturday, Erith hosted league leaders Fisher. Donald MacAulay put the visitors ahead with a twenty-fifth minute penalty, however, Billy French levelled three minutes later. It appeared that the game was going to end all square until Euan Mutale put the Fish back ahead with seven minutes remaining. Their third goal came in the fourth minute of stoppage time through James Bessey-Saldanha. 

Meanwhile, the Sports were also at home and they enjoyed an excellent three-nil victory against much fancied Rusthall. Jamarie Brissett opened the scoring in the second minute and Khayrie Harris added a second goal shortly after the half hour mark. Harry Barnes rounded off the scoring in the first minute of second half stoppage time. 

When the two teams met at Park View Road back in April, the Deres won three-two. Thomas Borders put them ahead but goals from Theophilus Lukyamuzi and Lyle Della-Verde, from a penalty, gave Phoenix a half time lead. Ryan Fowler levelled seven minutes after the restart and a Luca Sandford goal won it for the hosts with ten minutes remaining.

That was one goal fewer than when they drew three-all in their first encounter and both teams will be looking for Bexley Borough bragging rights in their first meeting of the current campaign.

Picture supplied by Keith Gillard.