Pitching In Isthmian Supporters Predictions 22-23: Corinthian

We're asking fans from each of our clubs to answer a series of questions about the past, present and future- and to predict the final league table for 22-23. We’re heading South East once more, Alan giving us a tour of the leafy world of Corinthian- or a high-octane charge around Brands Hatch, if you take a wrong turning.

1. Thinking about last season, what were your highlights?
The highlights which immediately spring to mind include the opening day League win, our debut in the FA Trophy, a 4-5 defeat in 90 minutes in the Kent Senior Cup which can be confidently described as "ding dong", victory versus champions Hastings United at home, playing in front of a 1,329 attendance in the reverse fixture, a tremendous midweek 3-1 away win versus Ramsgate.

2. Moving on to your current squad- which players do you think will make a big impact during the 2022-23?

Given the poaching of our 21-22 squad, I am not here to make the lives of other teams' scouts any easier by showcasing our talent. It is pleasing to see proven quality players remain and from my eyrie, certainly one young player had an impressive performance in a competitive pre-season friendly. There is a pathway at our club for young, ambitious players to make an impact at Step 4 stemming from opportunity, progressive coaching and club stability.

3. Realistically, how do you think you’ll do this season?

The same as every club, we wouldn't want to be involved in any relegation zone scenario and I expect the objective will be to improve on last year (finishing 8th) and I can see us improving as the season progresses as player churn is triggered in clubs with budgets and large squads. This is a difficult division to predict for 22-23 though, no relegation into the South East from the Premier and with further post-Covid meritocracy, strong teams have joined from Step 5, including 21-22 FA Vase finalists Littlehampton Town.

4. Which matches are you most looking forward to going to- and why?

The matches in Sussex were more of an adventure as we had rarely played clubs in this County whilst competing in the SCEFL, we now have an attractive looking Littlehampton Town expedition in exchange for promoted Hastings United. For me this season, it is the grounds which I could not reach last year, Ramsgate in particular as I had booked a weekend away only for the match to be postponed because of Storm Eunice and I could not make it to the re-arranged fixture. A cup match away in Essex would be a treat, last season we had #agreatwinaway, such an impressive County. Otherwise, any away match with a large attendance, can we exceed 1K again anywhere?

5. What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?
Based on last season, the best day out was at Chichester City (a cathedral, beers, W 3-0, more beers) but I am choosing the best as VCD Athletic, this is a club which has evidently made a big effort transforming the facilities and the grass pitch was outstanding early season. All of the away grounds I visited were good, though, whether they were modern edge / out of town, or more traditional. Every club makes a good effort with the hospitality, the array of ales and cocktails presented on a sunny afternoon at Haywards Heath Town should be mentioned in dispatches.

6. Who do you consider your biggest rivals- and why?

Our biggest rivals this season will be the teams we are targeting for the full six points to ensure we are competitive in this division. We have now also been joined by three of our recent previous promotion rivals from the SCEFL after a bottleneck to step up a tier complicated by Covid, however, we all probably find ourselves in different circumstances now and I hope the matches generate large attendances and will be a good advert for Kent football.

7. What advice would you give to any away supporter visiting you for the first time?

It is well documented that we are not close to public transport, although pedestrians may be lucky to be offered a lift on Fawkham Road from a passing fellow supporter. Taxis can be booked from the nearest station Longfield (trains operated by Southeastern) though.

For non-pedestrians, we can offer plenty of free, adjacent parking and supporters can usually arrive 15mins before KO without missing the start. If driving and find yourself on a fast, closed-loop one way system, you have entered the nearby Brands Hatch circuit in error. We can promise all visitors a unique football environment and our Farm is a ground-hopper's must-visit.

8. Who is your favourite player of all time (for your club)- and why?

I am going back a long time and personally cannot speak for every year at the club, if we are talking all-time though it has to be Andy Hessenthaler, which on paper is an obvious selection given the career he went on to have and still does in management. He was a stand out young player for us in season 1985-86, our first in any League (Beazer Homes Southern Division) and many of us thought it was only a matter of time before he progressed much higher (in fact eventually turning pro for the first time at 25 years old) .

9. Who do you predict will finish in the top five this season?

Haywards Heath Town, Ashford United, Cray Valley PM, Burgess Hill Town. Sittingbourne

Thanks Alan! We’re about to close this feature and print the predicted tables- so if you asked for the questions and haven’t yet sent them back, please hurry! Predicted tables will be posted from Wednesday.

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