This week, it’s a full series of Buildbase FA Trophy ties for our Bet Victor South Eastern teams giving THE GAFFER nine ties to preview.
And he starts with the tie at Homelands…
Ashford United v Witham Town – for me this is an Ashford win and a great way for them to get back on track after losing their 100pct record last week. Witham don’t have a great record on their travels, and I think that the South East is stronger than the North this season – given the League positions and that Ashford are at home, I can only see an Ashford win.
Aylesbury Town v Sevenoaks Town – it’s a very tough game for Sevenoaks on the back of losing at Hastings last week, Aylesbury are unbeaten in their League so far, and I think Micky’s team will want to bounce back after losing last week but it will be a difficult game for them…
Berkhampsted v Herne Bay – it’s a tough game for Herne Bay as Berhampsted are top of the South-Central division, but with players like Zak Ansah in their team, the Bay can beat anyone on their day. But I think that their form has dipped a bit of late but Herne Bay have got some match winners in their team – theres no pressure on them; they’ve had a few indifferent League results so it could be a good distraction – they won’t be favourites to win this game of football but…
Burgess Hill v Phoenix Sports – an interesting game as Burgess Hill started so well on opening day putting seven past Hythe and they’ve only won once since. Phoenix have recovered after a bad start, but they’ve recovered brilliantly. They’re a good side away from home which is why I’m going for an away win in this one – but it could easily go either way!
Hythe Town v Hastings United – someone at Hythe has certainly upset the FA – it was Cray Wanderers in the Cup and now Hastings in the Trophy! They’re two tough ties but Hythe are coming off the back of back to back wins as well as clean sheets! They’ve brought in some good experienced signings and they needed that. They’ll go into the game confident, but they’re against the side that I’ve tipped to win the South East League so I’m sorry but it’s an away win in a very tight game with Hastings having just enough!
Maldon & Tiptree v Cray Valley PM – they took Ashford’s 100pct record last week – you must back the teams with that sort of record and Maldon have won six out of six in the North. Last week they beat Ashford so why can’t they do the same at Maldon so they’ll go believing they can get a result – it’s certainly winnable for Cray…
Sittingbourne v South Park (11th SC) – seen Sittingbourne a couple of times and I think that they’re a very hard side to work out and, on their day, they are a good team. Maybe they haven’t quite got the balance right yet, but Chris has done a good job at Woodstock. They’re up against a side who haven’t won in the South Central away yet but have only been beaten once. This could easily go to a replay but on the day Cup ties come at the right time for some clubs and I think this could be Sittingbourne’s time!
VCD Athletic v AFC Sudbury – home win for me as AFC don’t travel very well and VCD are a good side. Keith’s done a good job and when you’ve proven strikers like Charlie MacDonald, they’ll always score goals. Sometimes playing on 3G at home as AFC do can prove to be a disadvantage too when you play on grass – so VCD should go through.
Whitstable Town v Ware – Whitstable have really surprised me this season if honest! Blackie’s gone in there and changed the way they play completely – I’m a fan of Scott Porter as he knows how to win football matches and Blackie’s gone in and is winning games playing a completely different way almost overnight in pre-season! That genuinely takes time, but he’s done a great job and he’ll continue to get the best out of his side. This weekend is a big ask for them after winning at Chalfont in the last round so we’ll see. I just hope that they don’t take their foot off the pedal and lose on Saturday!