Gate, Brickies and Bears have their eyes on top spot
We’ve a depleted South East programme - but what we have gives three sides the chance to hit the summit. Here’s our preview
Leaders Hastings United are in FA Trophy action, which gives the three unbeaten sides directly behind them- Broadbridge Heath, Margate and Sittingbourne- the chance to replace them at the top of Pitching In Isthmian South East.
The second place Bears are on the road to Cray Valley PM, and they head to the Artic Stadium looking for a fourth successive victory and to continue their fantastic start to the season. Their hosts start the weekend down in fifteenth, and haven’t yet managed to pick up a League win- although they have drawn each of their three home matches so far.
Margate, in third, are the only one of our chasing trio at home, Hartsdown Park the venue for a match against a South Park Reigate side who are under new management. The travelling Sparks are in thirteenth and looking to recover from two defeats in a row in League and Trophy, whilst Gate will be hoping to quickly put their Cup loss against Step Five side Snodland Town behind them.
Sittingbourne, in fourth, are on the road to take on Punjab United. The Brickies will have been disappointed to depart the FA Cup against Step Five opposition last weekend, and disappointed by the porous nature of their defence of late- the four goals they conceded against Greenwich Borough followed two in victory over Ashford United and six in Trophy defeat against Aylesbury United. They are normally rather stingy at the back and will hope to get back to that- and perhaps to take over at the top of the table- as they head to take on a United side still looking for a first Step Four victory. The hosts have lost their last three in League, Cup and Trophy.
In the FA Trophy, Croydon Athletic host South Central opposition, Raynes Park Vale making the trip from South West London to South East London, whilst Ashford United head to take on Ascot United by the racecourse. Deal Town and Sheppey United are rather familiar opponents, as are Erith Town and Eastbourne Town.
Faversham Town and Horley Town meet for the first time this season, whilst Hastings United, top of the South East Division, are hosting a Sussex seaside derby against South Central leaders Bognor Regis Town. Peacehaven & Telscombe are on the road to South Central Hayes and Yeading United, whilst Herne Bay are the hosts for Southall, and South Central side Egham Town will be nearby in Whitstable taking on the Oysterboys.