It was an early kick off for my first visit to see the new 3G pitch at Faversham Town’s Aquatherm Stadium. Their opponents today in this Kent Senior Cup tie, were Kent United FC from the Kent County Premier League.

Kent United were formed from the remnants of Kent Football United FC, who played in the Southern Counties East Football League before folding during the 2022-23 season. Kent United play in Gravesend at the Efes Stadium and sit currently in mid table position in the league.

Faversham Town have recovered from the shock and disappointment of relegation from the Isthmian League South East Division last season. They sit proudly on top of the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division, with 27 points from a possible 33.

I was lucky enough to meet the club secretary at the ground and hear all about the plans to expand the stadium, creating a club that can be at the heart of its community, whilst shaping a sustainable and successful future for the Lillywhites. I know it’s in vogue in Kent to criticise Faversham Town for their ambition, their wealth of resources and the perceived advantage it gives them in the SCEFL, however I found none of that. What I heard was a love of Faversham, it’s club and it’s community and a passion to be part of something positive.

I personally have nothing but admiration for the change in this club since my first visit in 2020 and I wish them every success going forward. I also want to thank the club and all the staff I met for making me feel so welcome and providing a high quality match day experience and particularly to the Club Secretary for taking time at a busy moment to talk with me about his love for the club.

Manager Sammy Moore has seen goals flow in the league for Faversham Town, from Stefan Payne (12 goals) and Warren Mfula (6 goals). Kent United’s goals have come from Frederick Baker (5 goals) and Harry Amaechi (4 goals). Kent United manager Ian Jenkins will have been pleased with his side’s first season performance but today would have been a huge leap forward against the free spending leaders of the SCEFL Premier Division.

The game started predictable with Faversham Town having much of the possession but Kent United soon showed that on the break their pace and passing could pose problems, with Fred Baker going through on goal twice. On 12 minutes a run from Stefan Payne created a chance for Warren Mfula to score and put the home side 1-0 ahead.

In the 32nd minute it was 2-0 when Faversham Town’s Josh Vincent followed in at a corner to push the ball home and extend the lead.

On 39 minutes a foul on Warren Mfula in the Kent United penalty area, gave Stefan Payne the chance to make it 3-0 from the spot.

On 45 minutes Faversham Town’s Ashley Miller was sent off, for pulling Fred Baker down when he was through on goal.

As the whistle blew, the sides went in with the home team 3-0 ahead. How much influence the red card would have would be seen in the second half.

After a slower start to the second half, the ten men of Faversham Town went 4-0 ahead, on 55 minutes, when Warren Mfula found space in the Kent United area to finish, for his second goal of the day.

Fred Baker grabbed a goal back for Kent United in the 79th minute to make it 4-1, with a fine downward header.

At the final whistle it was Faversham Town who went through to the next round. Although the score was comfortable at 4-1, Kent United never gave up and will take much confidence from this match back into the Kent County League campaign.