Phoenix and Rusthall gather momentum before the FA Vase first round

Two Premier Division sides finished the weekend with reason to feel good, and a Kent Senior Trophy tie already in view. Phoenix Sports won 5-1 at Tunbridge Wells, Jamarie Brissett scoring a hat-trick, and moved up to fifth, in the play-off positions for the first time this season. Lyle Della Verde's half-volley from 30 yards after two minutes set the tone, and Isaac Hadlow added a solo goal before the break. Debutant Rameses Meseorisa, signed from Lordswood on the day, set up Brissett's third. It was Phoenix's fourth league win in a row, and they travel to Penn & Tylers Green in the FA Vase on Saturday.

Rusthall beat Erith & Belvedere 4-0 in front of 190 at Jockey Farm. According to the club's match report, captain Robbie Bissett struck from around 30 yards and Lekan Osideko added a second in first-half stoppage time. Yassin Fares and Charlie Clover, the latter returning to the club, scored after coming off the bench. Claudio Boakye kept a clean sheet on his debut in goal. The win lifts Rusthall to sixth and condemned the Deres to a seventh straight defeat. Stefan Wright was sent off late on, with Rusthall's report stating he pushed the referee and a teenage supporter on his way off and expecting further punishment. Freddie Baker also made his 100th appearance for the club. Rusthall's next game is a Vase tie at Fleet Town, followed by a home Kent Senior Trophy meeting with Phoenix.

Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Bearsted beat AFC Greenwich Borough 1-0, with Ryan Blake named man of the match. Kennington beat Beckenham Town 2-0 despite going down to ten men. Faversham Strike Force came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Snodland Town, the equaliser arriving in injury time. Larkfield & New Hythe beat Fisher 2-1, which ended Fisher's winning run, and Petts Wood & Holmesdale drew 1-1 with Hollands & Blair. Sutton Athletic and Corinthian drew 0-0. Corinthian named 17-year-old Jake Williams their September player of the month after five goals.

Attention turns to the Vase first round this week. AFC Greenwich Borough host Tooting Bec, Chislehurst Glebe visit Larkfield & New Hythe, Snodland Town host Spartans Youth and Faversham Strike Force travel to Jarvis Brook. S E Dons, who beat Weymouth to reach the FA Cup fourth qualifying round, have a Vase tie on Friday evening.