VCD Athletic's Oakwood was set to stage both Beckenham Town and Ebbsfleet United at the same time before late amendment, which leaves hosts with no preparation time ahead of playing Step Two opposition in Kent Senior Cup Quarter Finals

VCD ATHLETIC have got their wires crossed over their opponents at their Oakwood ground tonight.

 

The Isthmian League arranged a home game against Beckenham Town in the South East Division for tonight – but that game was postponed at late notice yesterday.

The Kent Football Association confirmed on their website late last month that the first Go Cardless Kent Senior Cup Quarter-Final tie – between VCD Athletic and National League South side Ebbsfleet United – was also scheduled for tonight.

All Kent Senior Cup ties take preference over League fixtures and that has been the case since the year dot.

This website noticed yesterday afternoon that VCD Athletic were scheduled to play both Beckenham Town and Ebbsfleet United at the same time, at their ground at Old Road, tonight – but the League fixture has been postponed and will be arranged within the Isthmian League’s six-week timeframe.

“The match against Beckenham Town was postponed yesterday by the Kent FA, who have prioritised the Kent Senior (Cup) Quarter-Final match against Ebbsfleet United, said a statement from VCD Athletic.

“VCD Athletic are disappointed in the timing of this amendment.  Upon the draw being made, we sought to play this match on 2 December when both sides are available.

“Ebbsfleet requested it be played (tonight) and despite receiving email confirmation (yesterday) morning scheduling the game in December, this decision was later reversed and we were informed (yesterday).

“This has affected both ourselves and Beckenham, who have prepared for (tonight’s) League game with playing squads already having been announced to our players.

“It has also left VCD with no preparation time ahead of a Quarter-Final at home to Step Two opposition, both on and off the pitch.

“We have respected this tournament throughout the course of the season and will continue to do so, as best we can in far from ideal circumstances.

“We look forward to welcoming Beckenham Town in the near future.”

A Beckenham Town statement added: “Naturally, we are thoroughly disappointed with the timing of this decision – with little over 24 hours to go to kick-off and having received confirmation of the match from our hosts.

“A new date will be arranged in due course. Until then, we will make no further comment.”

Ross Baker’s and Danny Joy’s newly-promoted side are sitting in the bottom four in the Isthmian League South East Division table, having picked up 13 points (three wins, four draws and nine defeats).

They are within the eighth-tier relegation zone along with Ashford United (12 points from 14 games), Beckenham Town (nine from 15) and East Grinstead Town (three from 16).

Ebbsfleet United, meanwhile, who have never played the Crayford based outfit in a competitive fixture before, arrive at Oakwood sitting in 11^th place in the Enterprise National League South table with 25 points (seven wins, four draws and four defeats).

Josh Wright’s side have beaten Isthmian League Premier Division side Cray Valley (Paper Mills) 4-1 in Eltham to reach the last eight, while VCD Athletic have defeated Isthmian League Premier Division pair, Folkestone Invicta (6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at home) and Welling United 3-2, both at home to reach this stage of the competition.

Go Cardless Kent Senior Cup Quarter-Finals:

Tonight, kicking off at 19:45:  VCD Athletic  v  Ebbsfleet United
Tuesday 9 December 2025:  Maidstone United  v  Charlton Athletic
Tuesday 23 December 2025:  Chatham Town  v  Bromley
To Be Confirmed:  Tonbridge Angels  v  Sevenoaks Town or Gillingham (who play their Second Round tie at Greatness Park on Tuesday 3 December)

Meanwhile, holders, Hanwell Town, have confirmed tonight's home London Senior Cup Second Round tie against Charlton Athletic goes ahead as planned, at Perivale Lane.