Two non league heavyweights will go toe to toe when Sheppey United and Ashford United face one another in the Kent Reliance Senior Trophy Final.
The pair will look to put on a show for those in attendance at Maidstone United’s Gallagher Stadium in what could be an epic clash on Sunday afternoon.
Ashford United come into the game as favourites having had a successful season in the Southern Counties East Football League, despite a points penalty.
Under the stewardship of Danny Lye, who is no stranger to the Gallagher, Ashford have been in the top three of their league for most of the season and come into the final in a rich vein of form.
They booked their passage into the final two with a comfortable 3-0 victory at Sevenoaks Town in the First Round, won 4-1 at Gravesham Borough in the 2nd Round, beat tenants Canterbury City 3-2 at Homelands in the Quarter Final and then edged past Corinthian 4-2 on penatlies in the semi-final after the two sides had played out a 1-1 draw.
Meanwhile, Sheppey United come into the final on the back of a season to remember for the Kent Invicta League side.
Pushing for promotion at the top of the table along with Bearsted and Glebe, Sheppey United have been a breath of fresh air this season with renewed facilities and a record attendance in their league.
To book their place in the final against Ashford United, Sheppey have started the Kent Reliance Senior Trophy journey from the Preliminary Round, beating Fisher 1-0.
They then beat Seven Acre and Sidcup 3-1 in the First Round, West Wickham 2-1 in the Second Round and then edged past rivals Glebe 5-3 on penalties after the two sides had played out an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Sheppey United then booked their place in the final with a tight 1-0 win at Erith & Belvedere in the semi-final clash on 21st February.
With both sides having had over a month to prepare for the showpiece final, there’s been plenty of chance to have either side watched and lay out plans to combat one another.
Ashford United Manager Danny Lye is delighted his team have managed to make the final this year saying:
“Football has a funny way of giving you something if you keep working hard and believe you can’t lose. Our bunch of lads have a winning mentality and always think they can get something out the game however bad it is progressing. We are looking forward to what Sunday afternoon holds!”
Sheppey United’s Manager, Ernie Batten, is excited for the match saying:
“This weekend’s game will be a tough test against higher league opposition, especially as Ashford manager Danny Lye has his side riding high in the top 3 of the SCEFL League.”
“But we’ve certainly nothing to fear, and our victories against the likes of Fisher Athletic, and Erith & Belvedere in previous rounds prove we can compete at this level. Let’s bring it on!”
Ashford United and Sheppey United are renowned for their attacking flair, so fans should be in for a real treat.
Kick off at The Gallagher Stadium is 2pm on Sunday 10th April.