Shepherd Neame Performance of the Month, September 2026
It was a month packed with giant-killing, and four such performances take our prizes
Our congratulations for some superb performances go to the following clubs:
Pitching In Isthmian Premier
Cray Wanderers welcomed National League South leaders Maidstone United to Flamingo Park on Saturday 19th September, and Wands were superb in earning a replay with a one-one draw. That meant a trip to Maidstone for a midweek replay, and on the Stones own patch Wands delivered more magic. Ola Ogunwamide put them ahead midway through the first half, and deep in added time Ade Yusuff delivered a fine second- giant, slain! Congratulations to all at the club, who will have a trophy by which they can remember the occasion.
Pitching In Isthmian North
There were many fine performances worthy of our consideration, with five of our sides defeating higher Division teams in knockout competitions- but we decided that our Performance of the Month Award would go to Takeley, who took on Pitching In Southern Premier side Hitchin Town in the FA Trophy and emerged with a deserved two-nil victory. George Pullen headed home to give Takeley a first half lead, and after the break George Sykes scored a quite brilliant second, the duo putting their side through to the First Round- where Chertsey Town await.
Many congratulations to all at the club- we’ve a shiny prize heading your way shortly!
Pitching In Isthmian South Central
AFC Stoneham are still waiting for a first Step Four win, but they’ve been very good indeed in cup competitions- and we’ve decided that one of their victories deserves even more recognition. After a notable goalless draw against Pitching In Southern Premier South side Basingstoke Town in the FA Cup on Saturday 5th September they earned home advantage in the Replay- and just before the half hour Tyrrell Sampson was on hand to score the only goal of the game. That win earned them a place in the Second Qualifying Round, and a memorable trip to Torquay United; only the second time they’d ever reached that stage of the competition.
Congratulations to all at the club on their achievement.
Pitching In Isthmian South East Division
Crowborough Athletic may be struggling in the League- albeit with games in hand over their closest rivals- but in the Cup they have been little short of magnificent. They were nominated for this award courtesy of two giant-killings, but we’ve looked beyond their win over AFC Whyteleafe to reward them for their victory over National League South side Hampton and Richmond Borough. On Saturday 19th September the Crows travelled to the Beveree and returned home delighted after a magnificent three-three draw- but perhaps neutral observers might have thought that their best chance had gone? Not at all! In the Replay Rushaar Samuel-Smikle struck first, putting them ahead on twenty seven minutes, but the Beavers were quickly level. On sixty three minutes the Crows were ahead once more, Elliott Duncan making it two-one, and the same player made it three-one five minutes later to seal a fantastic victory and slay another giant!
Many congratulations to all at the club, and we’ll be with you bearing gifts in the near future.
Many thanks to our sponsors, Shepherd Neame, the oldest brewers in Britain. With pubs and hotels across the country, Shepherd Neame should be your first choice for accommodation after a long away trip, or just for a refreshing drink or a nice meal before or after the game. You can find out more about what they have to offer by heading to their website- here.