A potentially massive Isthmian Kent derby takes place at the Aquatherm Stadium this weekend as Faversham Town meet Herne Bay with Town manager Steve Watt expecting a tough game. 

Both are fancied to be involved in the final standings in April, and both currently sit inside the Play Off places of the early season table despite neither playing the number of games that early leaders Broadbridge Heath have! 

Tuesday’s 4-3 win over Punjab United leaves Faversham Town fifth and Bay are seventh after winning all three of their League games so far. 

But for Town boss Steve Watt, Tuesday was all about playing a League game – just Faversham’s fourth of the season from the eleven that they have played.

“It was nice to have a League game,” Watt admitted to us.

“Been a lot of Cup/Trophy games recently and before Tuesday we had only played three games in the League, and I am conscious that when League games do come around, you MUST win them and get the points.”

“So, it was an important game for us on Tuesday against very tricky opposition; we played really well in an entertaining game… a bit more entertaining that I would have liked it to be mind!” Watt added through gritted teeth.

“The most important thing was the three points going into Saturday which I am sure is going to be a great game and a great occasion!” 

Away from the League, Faversham are still involved with the FA Trophy and after beating Horley 6-2 last weekend now face a trip to face Stanway Rovers next weekend.

“It was a similar game to Tuesday really,” the manager said reflecting on the Trophy win. “We were quite comfortable and created bags and bags of chances which could easily have been ten!”

“Winning is important, getting that winning habit is something that we are doing really well at the minute – one loss in eleven it is now – no matter what the game is that we have we will always try to win it, simple as that, no matter who it is against and that’s no different to any team that we are going to face this season.”

“We are going to go out, try to win the game and if there are League points at stake, try to climb the League.” 

“Saturday is going to be a good game between two good clubs and will be a tough game for both sides. Neither have lost in the League yet – they haven’t dropped a point, and we have won three out of four drawing the other.”

“So, something has to give… there’s one thing that you will have knowing Ben (Smith, the Herne Bay boss) as we do, you will have two teams going out there doing everything trying to win the game.”

“So, it’s all dressed up to be a great Kent derby and hopefully we can come out on top of it!” 

“It certainly won’t be for the feint hearted, that is for sure, but that’s what most games should be – making sure that you do all you can to win games of football and I am sure that both ourselves and Ben will make sure that we are all geared up to give everything and I do think that you will have a set of players who will give absolutely everything on the field for their team and may the best team win.”