Kentish Football 
Soccer Shorts: Rocky McMillan stands down as Glebe manager
APM CONTRAST return to their traditional Cobdown Sports Ground in Ditton for their NRG Gym Kent County League top-flight clash against Stansfeld Oxford & Bermondsey Club tomorrow (2:45pm).
The Paperboys have been sharing Bearsted’s Honey Lane ground for the past two years but have returned home to the venue where Ebbsfleet United train and the ground is close to the headquarters of the Kent Football Association.
BROMLEY coach Hugo Langton says he’s expecting a large crowd for the visit of struggling Chelmsford City at Hayes Lane tomorrow.
The Ravens go into their seventh league game of the season sitting in second place in the Vanarama Conference South with 13 points, a point behind leaders Eastbourne Borough.
Chelmsford City – who were thrashed 5-0 when the two sides met at Hayes Lane last season – sit in the bottom three with five points.
Langton is looking forward to the club attracting a four-figure crowd, with it falling on Non-League Day.
“Non-League Day is a great initiative and we always embrace it at Bromley,” said Tonbridge-based Langton.
“Tomorrow the club are having a family day and there's also a pre match carvery on offer.
“The job the new co-chairmen at the club have done and are doing is amazing. There is a buzz about the place off-the-pitch and hopefully the fixture is exciting too.
“I know Ashley and Derek (Reading) have some great initiatives going forward and I think everyone at the club will appreciate them.
“I really hope fans turn out in force tomorrow for them. They have put a lot of effort in to making the game attractive for people to come.
“Last year on Non-League Day we had over a thousand through the door. I’d love to see that again tomorrow and obviously on the pitch we appreciate the support massively too.”
Bromley’s 5-0 home win over Chelmsford on 5 November 2013 was one of many highlights for Mark Goldberg’s side that went on to finish in a personal best of third-place in Conference South last season.
“Chelmsford are our guests tomorrow and their manager Mark Hawkes will want to keep up his good form against us,” said Langton.
“He beat us twice last season with two different clubs and I’m sure he’ll have his players motivated to come and do a job on us.
“They are probably at their most dangerous at the moment, as they haven't had the start they wanted and perhaps are under a little bit of pressure to get their season going, as a club like Chelmsford should be pushing high up the table in my opinion.
“We are only six games in, so the table is a little irrelevant at present, but winning is what it's all about and we'll certainly be looking to keep our own little run going.
“One thing I’m sure of this league though is in this league any team who turns up thinking they can just win by being there and looking the part, or anyone who underestimates their opponent, will get beaten, regardless of who you are.”
CONEY HALL return to the Surrey South East Combination League for the first time in 12 years’ tomorrow when they play Trinity at Tiepigs Lane. The game kicks off at 2pm.
EBBSFLEET UNITED manager Steve Brown says he wants his side to get their season back on track against newly-promoted St Albans City at Stonebridge Road tomorrow.
The Fleet have slipped down to tenth-place in the Vanarama Conference South table with seven points from five games and welcome Saints, who are two places higher.
“It’s important we keep our home record going and get a result to put us back on track,” said Brown, who has watched his side go three games without winning or scoring a goal.
“The players have as ever conducted themselves brilliantly on the training pitch and in every game we’ve created chances and I don’t believe the points tally from the last three games is a true reflection of how we’ve performed.
“The woodwork has aided the opposition on four occasions and we’ve missed a penalty.
“I would argue we could and should have won one and drawn two of the previous three games but we didn’t so it’s vital we start well on Saturday and put St Albans under pressure from the very first whistle.
Brown wants fans to flock through the turnstiles at Stonebridge Road tomorrow.
“It’s always good to see a day devoted to Non-League clubs,” said the former Charlton Athletic player.
“It’s well documented that clubs struggle financially at this level and with the international break Premier League and Championship supporters should definitely go out and support their local team as every penny counts.”
ERITH & BELVEDERE manager Matt Longhurst hopes the club attract a large crowd for tomorrow’s Southern Counties East Football League clash against Lingfield at Park View Road tomorrow.
The Welling based club sit proudly at the top of the table after picking up five wins out of five.
However, their FA Cup run was ended by Folkestone Invicta last Tuesday, losing 3-1 after extra time.
“Hopefully we can get a few more people through the doors ourselves because I think we try to play the right way,” said the former Corinthian manager.
“Hopefully if Welling are not playing and we’re here if we can keep in and around the top of the division then people start to talk about us a little bit more and hopefully we can get a few more through the gate because it’s nice for the players to come out and play in front of. It’s one of the best grounds in the league.”
FOLKESTONE INVICTA have unveiled the loan signing of attacking midfielder Charley Robertson, 18, from Ryman Premier League leaders Maidstone United.
Robertson arrives at Cheriton Road on a one-month loan and goes into Neil Cugley’s squad for tomorrow’s home game against Merstham in the Ryman League Division One South.
Robertson is a product of the highly-successful Stones Academy where he completed a two-year course and was a regular member of the first team squad last season, making a total of 40 appearances as well as helping the club’s under 21 and Academy sides both win their leagues and a trophy.
Robertson has started on the bench for most of the Stones’ first team games and has done well when given the chance to impress.
Folkestone Invicta boss Neil Cugley told www.folkestoneinvictafc.co.uk: “They think a lot of this lad and we’re lucky to have got him. Several other clubs have been after him already this season.
“He’ll give us more pace in midfield and has an eye for goal.
"With all these games coming up, we needed to get someone in and Charley can give us the balance I've been looking for.”
Paul Booth - who made a dramatic 16 minute cameo appearance, creating the second goal to put Folkestone ahead for the first time in their 3-1 FA Cup over Erith & Belvedere on Tuesday - is struggling to be fit from a groin strain picked up in the first FA Cup game last Sunday.
Roland Edge is also out while midfielder Matt Newman is expected to miss a couple of games through other commitments in what is looking an increasingly hectic period for Invicta who have four successive home games on the spin, starting tomorrow.
GLEBE chairman Rocky McMillan says he will stand down as manager after Sunday’s FA Vase First Qualifying Round tie against Bexhill United at Oakley Road on Sunday.
The Bromley-based club go into the tie sitting unbeaten in second place in the Kent Invicta League table with three wins and three draws from six games.
“Hopefully we can bring our current good league form into The FA Vase,” said McMillan.
“Most of our injured players have finally recovered so there’s no excuses on selection this week.”
McMillan has revealed that he has appointed Simon Copley and Trevor Bumstead to form the club’s new coaching team and will reveal his reasons for stepping aside following Sunday’s game.
He said: “This will be my last game as manager, as I return to continue as chairman.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the last 12 months. Glebe have had a decent start in the Invicta and there’s a decent platform for Simon and Trevor to work on.
“It’s Bexhill’s first game in The Vase, which I’m sure they will be very excited about.
“This is our second season and playing at home, on a wonderful surface in front of a good crowd will suit us.
“We hope to do the League proud on our big day.”
McMillan was at Wembley Stadium to watch Roy Hodgson’s uninspiring England sneak to a 1-0 friendly win over Norway on Wednesday night.
The Three Lions won the game thanks to Wayne Rooney’s second half penalty, which was watched by England’s lowest crowd at the new Wembley.
“Having watched the awful game at Wembley on Wednesday night, Non-League Day brings home the passion and love of the game the non-league arena brings to the sport,” said McMillan.
“As the Premier League gets flooded with overseas stars, the quality of home grown talent is being exposed more and more in the non-league circuit.”
HERNE BAY manager Sam Denly wants Non-League Day to showcase his side when Horsham visit Winch’s Field tomorrow.
The Bay go into the game sitting in thirteenth-place in the Ryman League Division One South table with eight points from seven games.
The Hornets, meanwhile, arrive on the Kent coast sitting in the bottom three, having collected one win and two draws from their six outings in the league.
“This weekend we welcome Horsham to Winch’s Field and it’s a game that we’re very much looking forward to,” said Denly.
“Our recent form has been better after the FA Cup win last Saturday.
“We went to Sittingbourne and came away with a point despite feeling it was two points dropped.
“It was good to add some more points to our league tally.
“Horsham again will prove to be another tough game although they are sitting near the bottom of the table at this stage of the season it doesn’t mean an awful lot.
“Already there have been indifferent results and on their day anyone is capable of beating anyone.
“We trained well last night and are prepared for Saturday’s game. If we continue to take the positives from previous games onto the next then we’ll keep picking up points.
“Connor Sanders will be back in the squad and a few others are getting close which is good and means there is a lot of competition for places.”
Denly is looking forward to attracting a larger crowd for tomorrow’s game at their ground on Stanley Gardens.
“It’s Non-League Day and we’re looking forward to showing our fans everything that’s good about non-league football. Passion, talented local players working hard for each other for the club and fans alike.
“We want to see as many supporters as possible turning up on Saturday and getting behind the team as we look to continue to pick up points early on in the season.”
HYTHE TOWN manager Tim Dixon says he was pleased with the character shown from his underperforming side during their 2-0 home win over Lordswood in The FA Cup in midweek.
The Cannons can now look forward to a lucrative home tie against their league rivals Whitstable Town after getting past their Southern Counties East Football League opponents at the second attempt.
“I was really pleased with the character shown by the lads when being reduced to ten-men and then going on to win the game,” said Dixon.
“Things haven’t been going our way, yet the lads rolled up their sleeves and got the job done.
Hythe Town travel to Carshalton Athletic tomorrow sitting in the bottom two in the Ryman League Division One South table with four points from six games.
“We have another tough couple of away fixtures coming up against Carshalton and Faversham after an excellent result in the FA Cup replay on Tuesday,” said Dixon.
“This is exactly what we need this weekend against Carshalton and we must stick together to turn our League campaign around and try to get some more points on the board.
“We have a couple of fitness tests for Craig Cloke and John Walker before the game and Lewis Mingle and Jordan Wells are abroad and miss out.
“I had agreed a deal to get somebody in before the weekend but it looks like I’ve been gazumped by a League rival which I am disappointed about, but nothing surprises me in football anymore!”
Dixon revealed the initiatives that Carshalton Athletic have tomorrow to get fans through the turnstiles at Colston Avenue tomorrow.
He said: “Non-League Day has arrived and fair play to Carshalton as they have offered the chance for season ticket holders at Premier League and Championship clubs to show their passes for free entry to the game.
“I hope people come out and support all the clubs that are showing this sort of initiative as Non-League clubs can always do with as much support as possible as we try to compete with each other.”
MAIDSTONE UNITED player-coach Jack Parkinson says he is looking forward to their trip to Enfield Town tomorrow.
The Stones returned to the summit of the Ryman Premier League table after 2-0 win at AFC Hornchurch – and Margate’s 2-1 defeat at Dulwich Hamlet – on Tuesday night.
The Stones have lost one league game so far this season – a 1-0 defeat away to neighbours Tonbridge Angels on August Bank Holiday Monday.
“We’ve had a good start to the season and we’re looking to keep the run going tomorrow,” said midfielder Parkinson.
“We had a good result in the week at Hornchurch, which is always a tough place to go especially with the pitch the way it was.
“I’m sure as many fans as possible will be out tomorrow to help support the lads and the fact that it’s Non-League Day makes it that little bit better.”
MARGATE boss Terry Brown says he’s looking for his side to bounce back after suffering their first league defeat of the season in midweek.
Margate won their first six league games but have dropped points during the past seven days, drawing Leiston 1-1 at Hartsdown Park last weekend before going down to a 2-1 defeat away to Dulwich Hamlet.
Laurent Hamici came off the bench to score the winner for Gavin Rose’s side with the last kick of the game and as a result Margate slipped down a place to second in the Ryman Premier League table.
Tomorrow Brown takes his side to AFC Hornchurch, kicking off an hour earlier at two o’clock.
“I’m expecting a bumpy pitch. I’m expecting the side to come out there and I’m expecting them to be fired up. I’m expecting us to show some character because it’s a very, very difficult place to go and last two games we haven’t done well enough.”
Brown has an open cheque book and his only aim is to ensure Vanarama Conference South football is played at Hartsdown Park next season.
But the former AFC Wimbledon manager knows the Ryman Premier League is a tough nut to crack.
The Wokingham based manager said: “It’s the same as it always was. I’ve played in it. I’ve managed in it three times. I’ve coached in it.
“It’s a very, very difficult league to get out of and there’s an abundance of talent. Look at the youngsters that Dulwich had on display. Look how they played. I think a lot of people underestimate this league.”
PHOENIX SPORTS manager Steve O’Boyle says he wants to repay the club with a decent run in The FA Vase.
The Barnehurst based club were knocked out of The FA Cup by their Southern Counties East Football League rivals Deal Town in the Extra Preliminary Round.
Their first ever game in the competition was a 2-2 draw at The Charles Sports Ground, but Phoenix Sports lost 8-7 on penalties (20 of them were taken) after a thrilling epic finished 3-3 after extra time.
O’Boyle takes his side to league rivals Croydon in The FA Vase First Qualifying Round tomorrow.
The Trams needed two games to get past Epsom & Ewell in The FA Cup, winning Wednesday night’s replay 4-1 – all five goals coming during an explosive 23 minute spell in the second half.
“I would like a good performance on Saturday. I’m hoping we win the game and go through to the next round,” said O’Boyle, who wants to scoop the £600 worth of prize money on offer tomorrow.
“Croydon will be a very difficult game for us. They had a really good result on Wednesday so they will be very confident.
“I was distraught going out of The FA Cup at the first hurdle. We didn’t play well over the two games against Deal Town.
“I would love to have a good run in The FA Vase and win some money for the club.
“This is only our second season in The FA Vase so everyone at the club are looking forward to Saturday.
“Let’s hope we are well supported and on non-league day we play in front of a half decent crowd but most important is that we win the game and are through to the next round.”
SEVEN ACRE & SIDCUP play their first ever FA Vase tie when they welcome Pagham in the First Qualifying Round on Sunday afternoon.
The club originally hail from Abbey Wood and have secured a three-year deal to play on the grass pitch at Ryman League Division One North club Thamesmead Town at Bayliss Avenue.
“I would like to start by saying without a doubt this Sunday is the biggest day in Seven Acre & Sidcup history,” said assistant manager Martin Reece.
“It is hard to believe we have come so far in a short period and are now sitting third in the Kent Invicta League
“It has to be recognised that club secretary and Mr Seven Acre himself Lee Hill has a massive part in the rise of the club.”
Reece has revealed the club have done their homework on Sussex County League side Pagham.
“We had a scouting trip to watch them at Ashford against Canterbury and believe we could see us win our first FA Vase game,” said Reece.
“It will not be easy as our visitors have not lost a game in all competitions so far this season so we will need to be at our best and thankfully we have a full squad to select from.
“It will be hard on some of the boys as they are all training hard and want to play but we’re going to have the full 23 squad there to share in the day.
“We are hopeful that we will get a big crowd as this is the FA Vase and attendances have been good so far this season, so if you fancy a pleasant afternoon and a warm welcome from our Seven Acre & Sidcup club please come down.”
Reflecting on Non-League (Sun)Day, Reece added: “I think I can speak for any small non-league club that advertising, support and sponsorship goes a long way.
“When you see the kind of money that is splashed about at the top level of football it’s obscene.
“With funding at our level so hard to obtain it is no surprise when you see so many clubs folding, which I think we are all sad about.
“We hope to see many new faces for Sunday.”
SITTINGBOURNE manager Matt Wyatt says he wants to pile more misery on struggling Walton Casuals tomorrow.
The Brickies travel to Surrey with their hosts sitting at the foot of the Ryman League Division One South table, having lost all of their six games.
Sittingbourne, meanwhile, are in seventh-place with 11 points from seven games, but were dumped out of The FA Cup by lower-league Dorking Wanderers last weekend.
Wyatt offered to resign after losing that game 3-0 and being knocked out at the Preliminary Round stage and missing out on much-needed £1,925 in prize money.
“We go to Walton Casuals expecting a really tough game,” said Wyatt.
“What I have seen of Walton this year is they’re not getting the run of the ball and maybe that bit of lady luck.
“This happens for you when you have not started brightly or you’re going through a bad run.
“Walton have signed three new players over the past week so it will be one of our toughest games.
“They took Whitstable to a replay last week so we must be on top of our game and build on a very good performance and a good point versus Herne Bay last Tuesday and hopefully come away with some points.
“This is going to be the first time this season we have a full squad to choose from.”
Being away from home tomorrow, Sittingbourne will not benefit from Non-League Day.
But Wyatt said: “I think it’s great when fans who may support Premier or Championship sides can go and watch a game in non-league and hopefully change their views.
“There’s good teams, good players, a good atmosphere but a friendly one and some clubs charge kids a pound etc, which is a good idea, so hopefully that it all goes well for all clubs.”
WELLING UNITED player-manager Jamie Day says he wants his side to build on their 1-1 draw against Forest Green Rovers last weekend.
The Wings travel up to Grimsby Town in the Vanarama Conference tomorrow sitting in the bottom three with three draws from their opening six league outings.
Day said: “Looking forward to the game tomorrow. They have been in good form scoring lots of goals and will be looking to get out of the league this season.
“We were pleased with our performance Saturday and I felt we could have nicked a win but it was a good all round effort and I’m looking for the same again this week and if we can repeat that hopefully we can get something from the game.”
None of Kent’s three Vanarama Conference sides are at home tomorrow afternoon but Day said: “I think Non-League Day is a good day for families to get out and watch this level and I think they’ll be surprised of how good the players are, which many clubs like ours will benefit with these people coming again to support their local club.”
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