Kent Senior Trophy first round dominates Southern Counties East week

The Kent Senior Trophy first round dominated the Southern Counties East schedule, led by an emphatic result for Stansfeld. They won 9-2 at Lordswood, despite, in the club's words, being 2-0 down after nine minutes. Jordan Patterson scored a hat-trick, with further goals from Jack Calvert, Glen Bain, Ryan Fowler, Nana Kufuor and Billy Bennett, plus an own goal. Lordswood had been celebrating their manager, Callum, being named Manager of the Month for September.

At Step 6 Rochester United needed penalties to get through. They drew 2-2 with Step 5 opponents Petts Wood & Holmesdale, with Thompson and Reilly scoring, then won the shootout 4-2 in front of 94. Lewisham Borough Community also went through, winning 2-1 at Croydon before a crowd of 135, and Croydon wished them well in the next round. Welling Town went out, losing 1-0 at West Wickham to a goal in the dying minutes.

In the league, Bridon Ropes beat Banstead Athletic 3-1 at Charlton Park Lane, in front of 64. Yedidja Kossi scored all three, in the 20th, 23rd and 79th minutes, for his first non-league hat-trick. That took him to eight league goals for the season and joint top of the First Division scoring charts, according to the club. Frankie Harris pulled one back from a penalty Bridon's report called debatable. The result lifted the Ropes to 14th on eight points and extended their unbeaten run to three matches in all competitions.

Staplehurst Monarchs United beat Bearsted 1-0 behind a man-of-the-match display from debutant goalkeeper Luke Watkins, while Vinnie Medhurst's overhead kick was singled out in the club's highlights. The club also thanked James Delaney and Steve Lawrence for their part in laying the foundations of the club. FC Elmstead beat SC Thamesmead 2-1 on the road, and Halls had earlier beaten Thamesmead 1-0. Hythe Town won 3-2 against Chislehurst Glebe.

Sheppey Sports announced a new youth section for the 2027/28 season, with further announcements promised over the coming months.

Next Saturday, 24 October, Bridon host Welling Town, Rochester United host Banstead Athletic, Elmstead welcome Greenways, and Croydon host Staplehurst Monarchs United in what they are billing as an Oktoberfest fixture.