Bumper turnout expected for final

With both well supported clubs chasing play-off places after successful seasons and Athletic's War Memorial Sports Ground only a few miles from Kingsmeadow and within easy reach of the Kent-based Lilywhites, officials say the turnstiles are opening early from 6pm for the 7.30pm kick-off. Tickets are priced at £10 for adults, concessions £5 and U16s accompanied by an adult £1.

As part of efforts to promote this season's final on the FIFA rated 3G surface at Colston Avenue, all 72 Ryman League clubs were also sent a pair of complimentary tickets and their fans and other neutrals are being encouraged to attend the end of season showpiece.

The Isthmian League Cup was sponsored for the first time two seasons ago by Robert Dyas, a subsidiary of the Isthmian League's title sponsors Ryman.

The competition was renamed the Alan Turvey Trophy before the start of this season in tribute to former Ryman League chairman and current president Alan Turvey who will hand over the trophy renamed in his honour to the night's winners with Ryman League chairman Nick Robinson and representatives of the sponsors.

Like last season's finalists, both clubs are also looking forward to collecting cup windfalls for their success. In 2015 Hendon banked £2500 in prize money as well as their share of the profits from the final with Grays Athletic collecting £1500 in prize money as runners-up. Losing semi-finalists collect £750 while clubs reaching the quarter-finals receive £250.

To reach the final, Ryman South Faversham and manager Ray Turner beat Sittingbourne 3-0 in their semi while Kingstonian under manager Tommy Williams needed penalties to knock out Ryman Premier rivals Wingate & Finchley after the sides couldn't be separated at 2-2. Kingstonian have lifted the trophy once before back in 1996 while Faversham are looking for a first triumph.

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