Hornets welcome Chats, we’ve a seaside showdown in the Velocity Cup, and two Premier sides in Trophy action

We should have had two matches in Pitching In Isthmian Premier this evening, but as Concord Rangers pitch failed a pitch inspection because Noah is building an ark on it, we have only one. All roads lead to Horsham- although you might be better off with a boat!

Horsham, courtesy of their 3G surface, are very much looking forward to the arrival of Chatham Town. The Hornets start the evening in eighth place, five points behind fifth place Wingate & Finchley, but due to their Cup and Trophy exploits they have many games in hand over the sides above them- three, four or five over the sides in the top five. The side they have five games in hand over are the second place Chats, who are ten points better off at start of play.

Horsham have lost only one of their last nine league matches. Including knockout fixtures they have lost three of their last thirteen, but it’s worth remembering that two of their conquerors during that run were Barnsley and Sutton United. Hashtag United’s win on November 11th suddenly looks like a fabulous achievement, doesn’t it?

The visitors have had a fine season, but two defeats from their last three have slowed their title challenge. Nine points behind leaders Hornchurch, and having played two games more, they will want to put behind them Saturday’s loss against Hastings United and quickly get back to winning ways.

Another Sussex side, Whitehawk, travel to the Kent coast for a Pitching In Isthmian FA Trophy ‘derby’, as they take on Hythe Town. The last time the two sides met was in the South East Play Off Final at the end of last season, the Hawks delivering a narrow triumph, so this is a chance for the Cannons to see whether revenge can be served. The Hawks have proved difficult to defeat this season, but have become rather addicted to draws, with six of their last ten league matches ending level. The Cannons come into this match on the back of three consecutive wins, and defeated National League South side Tonbridge Angels in the last round. The winners will host Chorley in Round Four.

Billericay Town have the tough task of a trip to National League side Wealdstone. The Blues, who knocked out National League North leaders Tamworth in the last round, have lost a little of their previous good form of late, and fell to defeat at Wingate & Finchley last time out, but have been very good in FA Cup, Velocity Cup and Trophy, only a penalty shootout getting the better of them in all three competitions. Wealdstone are very good on their own patch, having lost only once at home- and not at all since the end of August. POSTPONED

In the Velocity Cup, Folkestone Invicta- who haven’t managed a match since November 25th- will look to give new boss Andy Drury his first win as they welcome Hastings United. Whoever loses- and somebody has to- they won’t have to wait long for revenge, as they meet again in the League on Boxing Day. Invicta have only one win from their last seven matches, whilst United boss Chris Agutter has had a pretty good time since his return to the club, his eight matches in all competitions bringing six wins. United took four points from the two league meetings between the sides last season, although the match on the Kent coast was a goalless draw.

Follow the Pitching In Isthmian League on Instagram. Head here or search for theisthmianleague on your app. We're also on Facebook and Twitter.