Enticing offers to watch the comeback kings of Kent football

Erith & Belvedere Football Club, in conjunction with the club’s supporter's association DISA, have unveiled an enticing offer for their supporters for their last five home matches of the current Kent League season, writes Stephen McCartney.

 

DISA chairman Mr Ben Dryland explained why they want to reward supporters for their support at Park View Road.

Speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk he said: “With our final five home matches of the season all being played in April, DISA’s vice-chair, Brian Spurrell, came up with an idea to reward our regular supporters – as well as giving an incentive to our less frequent visitors to come and watch us more often.

“I fully agreed with his thinking so I presented a scheme to club officials who promptly gave the scheme their full backing and co-operation.

“It’s now up to supporters to take advantage of the offer we have put together.”

The offer allows adults to watch the club’s remaining home games of the season for just £25.

Those who sign up will get a free programme for each match taking the total savings to £12.50.

A similar offer is available for OAPs and under 16s who can purchase the same package for only £13, offering a saving of £9.50.

Beyond the scope of this offer, the club have also decided to allow all under 11s, accompanied by a paying adult, free entry to the remaining games.

Mr Dryland added: “Our remaining games will be very competitive. Under the current management we’ve only lost one league game since November last year and of the home games we have left, four are against top of the table opposition, including a double header against the top two Croydon and Whitstable over the Easter weekend.”

The games included in the Deres offer are:
Friday 6^th April (1pm) vs Croydon
Saturday 7^th April (3pm)  vs  Whitstable Town
Saturday 14^th April (3pm)  vs  Hythe Town
Saturday 21^st April (3pm) vs Beckenham Town
Tuesday 24^th April (kick off and date to be confirmed) vs Faversham Town

Mr Dryland explained how supporters can take advantage of this amazing April offer.

He said: “The mini-season tickets can be bought from the online shop at www.disa.org.uk from today.

“Supporters will also be able to take advantage of the offer as they enter the turnstiles for the Croydon match next week – DISA representatives will be on hand to sign people up.

“Week in, week out, the players have been putting in top performances, banging in the goals and getting good results.

“We haven’t seen a bad game at Park View Road for ages – even when we lost the supporters got to see seven goals!

“Our last game was a real thriller.  We came back from two down and won 3-2. 

“It was just a pity more people hadn’t come through the turnstiles to see it.

“Hopefully this offer will make it more affordable for Deres’ supporters to enjoy all our remaining home games this season.”

Meanwhile, Erith & Belvedere travel to struggling side Tunbridge Wells on Wednesday night in confident mood following their 3-2 win over Sevenoaks Town at Park View Road yesterday.

The Deres pulled off a second excellent late comeback in as many weeks despite putting in a below par performance.

Erith & Belvedere created the first opportunity of note when former Lordswood striker Nick Smith was hacked down by Sevenoaks’ captain Perry Spackman on the edge of the penalty area.

Spackman was booked but the Deres failed to punish as Adrian Deane’s shot from the resultant free-kick was saved by Lee Friend.

A teasing ball through caused confusion between Deres defender Paul Gross and his goalkeeper Alan Hughes and this allowed Sevenoaks striker Tony Atkins to race through and emphatically smash the ball past Hughes on the half-volley to give the visitors the lead.

The Deres, meanwhile, didn’t have an opportunity of note until the 59^th minute when Smith forced the former Sittingbourne goalkeeper into action with a powerful header.

But Sevenoaks appeared to have secured all three points after 67 minutes as the ball broke to Aaron Smith who lobbed the onrushing Hughes.

However, there could be little complaints from the Deres as they had failed to seriously threaten the Sevenoaks’ goal.

The Deres gave themselves hope of snatching a point when with 69 minutes on the clock, Joe Diggins was brought down inside the box.

Referee Mr Joss showed no hesitation in awarding a penalty and substitute Steve White stepped up and converted the spot-kick.

Four minutes later the Deres were level.  Mark Nougher laid the ball back perfectly for former Charlton player Deane to show his class and fire the Deres level with a neat finish past a helpless Friend.

The game now swinged in the Deres’ favour and it appeared to be only a matter of time before they completed another great comeback.

On 95 minutes, White’s header bounced off the top of the bar, whilst at the other end, Lee Aldridge blasted over from six-yards.

There was just enough time for a winner as in the eighth minute of injury time, the ball broke to Deane twenty-yards out, who took a touch and picked his spot and banged in the winner.

The win moves the Deres up to eighth place in the Kent League table ahead of Wednesday night’s trip to Culverden Stadium to play a Tunbridge Wells side that won their first game on home soil yesterday when striker Dave Hassett netted a hat-trick which helped Martin Farnie’s side defeat Lordswood 3-2.

Surely you've got to take advantage of these offers at Park View Road and watch the comeback kings of Kent football.

I am sure that Tunbridge Wells would welcome you at Culderden Stadium, which is in Culverden Down, on Wednesday night.

Visit Erith & Belvedere’s websites:

www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk

www.disa.org.uk

(Thomas Hawes wrote the match report)