Can Borough, the Urchins, the Jammers and Casuals progress in the Trophy?

We’ve matches in two rounds of the FA Trophy tomorrow, if this rain ever stops- as three of our sides play in the Third Round and another plays in the Second Round.

In Round Two, it’s take two as Corinthian-Casuals hope to host Hemel Hempstead Town if this rain ever stops! The match was called off due to a waterlogged pitch on Tuesday.

The Tudors, tenth in National League South, saw a good run of form come to an end when they were defeated by Hungerford Town at the weekend, and Casuals might have to show the form in front of goal that saw them score five against Hendon in the Third Qualifying Round. They didn’t have to play in the First Round as their opponents, Walton Casuals, had to withdraw from the competition. The match will sadly be played behind closed doors.

Onto Round Three, and Maldon & Tiptree welcome Gloucester City as they look to add another scalp to a list of slain giants which already includes Enfield Town, Kingstonian, Haringey Borough, Braintree Town and Bognor Regis Town. City will be their toughest nut to crack so far, as they sit at the top of National League North, four points clear. They defeated former Isthmian side- these days in Pitching In Southern Premier Central- Needham Market four-two in the last round, and have today signed two players on loan from Coventry City, because obviously they aren’t strong enough already and are terrified of the Jammers!

Maldon will undoubtedly shout a battle cry of “Leyton Orient” as they enter the field tomorrow- and you certainly wouldn’t write off the idea of them delivering a similar shock. Sadly the match is behind closed doors. Match postponed- COVID.

Hornchurch travel to face Dulwich Hamlet, who defeated the Urchins Pitching In Isthmian Premier rivals Cheshunt in midweek. Hamlet saw a five match unbeaten run come to an end as they lost by the only goal of the game at Oxford City on Saturday- but bounced back against our Ambers, whilst the Urchins were defeating another of our former clubs who are now in National League South, Tonbridge Angels. This match is- yes, you’ve guessed it- behind closed doors.

Finally, Haringey Borough head to Dartford, again minus fans. The Darts, second in National League South, entered the competition in the last round and looked likely to exit it at the same stage as they went two down against Slough Town, but bounced back to equalise and then won a penalty shootout. They are managed by former Whitehawk and Lewes boss Steve King, who these days is the best dressed man in Kent.

Borough defeated Dartford’s league rivals Eastbourne Borough comprehensively in midweek and, following their defeat of Bishop’s Stortford in the previous round, will head to Princes Park full of confidence, if without the noisy support of the Bell End Male Voice Choir. The match is available to stream, here.