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The Kent Non-League Football Podcast

Kent Non-League Podcast - Episode 271

Ahead of probably the biggest weekend in Kent non-league football in many years, we've got an FA Cup special, with all three of our Step Four sides featured before their ties. Sheppey United are first up with their TV date on Friday night and winger Danny Leonard looks ahead to that clash, discussing what it means to him and the club to have such a big day and considers the reaction if the Ites can cause an upset. Ramsgate host Woking and while boss Ben Smith was disappointed to miss out on a Football League team, he has hopes of a positive result for his side in front of a packed house at Southwood. And it's all about the Lisbies as Cray Valley head to face Charlton on Sunday - the Millers' teenage striker Kyrell tells us about his excitement and hopes ahead of his first appearance at the stadium where dad Kevin made his name. We also hear from Chatham boss Kevin Hake after his side's FA Trophy loss to Cray Valley at the weekend, as well as reflecting on all the rest of the action after another busy week. Plus there's all the usual chat and nonsense, including Halloween, fancy restaurants, expensive bikes and life at a London station on a Tuesday night...

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  • Kent Non-League Podcast - Episode 309

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    Recorded partly on location at Sevenoaks, we've got another packed show for you this week with four interviews and some tip-top chat. Tonbridge Angels fans will get the chance to watch their side in the stadium in the FA Cup first round for the first time in 50 years - boss Jay Saunders discusses what that means to him and his players after their win at Cray Wanderers. His opposite number Neil Smith reflects on a strong showing from his side against their higher-league opposition, and discusses the challenges in the league so far this season. Sevenoaks boss Marcel Nimani is pleased after his side held on for a point against Sittingbourne and talks about the project at the club and his path to management. And Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell gives his view on that draw, plus talks about the travelling Brickies fans and the strenght of the Isthmian South East. We've got all the rest of the action from across the county and a look ahead to the FA Vase this weekend, as well as loads more besides.
  • Kent Non-League Podcast - Episode 308

    01:27:12|
    Another packed show as we reflect on a successful SCEFL Groundhop and a busy weekend elsewhere in the pyramid - and preview two huge FA Cup ties. The Groundhop kicked off with a 3-0 win for Rusthall at Snodland, and Rustics boss Jimmy Anderson reflects on his side's win and clean sheet, and reveals the home truths that helped spark that win. We chose Snodland defender Tyler Hatton as their man of the match in the loss and the Maidstone youngster tells us all about his experience in the SCEFL so far, the benefits of playing men's football and his hope for an upturn in form. Cray Valley PM beat Ramsgate to progress in the FA Trophy and Millers boss Steve McKimm discusses that victory and their fine start to life at Step 3. Rams manager Ben Smith admits his side came up short in that clash, but is ready to focus on the league and looks ahead to a big game against Sheppey United this weekend. There's all the rest of the news from across the pyramid and the usual chat and nonsense, including nightclubs, school dinners, Slow Horses and the end of the banana saga.
  • Kent Non-League Podcast - Episode 307

    56:45|
    We look back on a frustrating weekend of FA Cup results - but a draw that guarantees two of our sides will be in the FA Cup first round. We also look ahead to the SCEFL Groundhop which takes place this weekend, with some exciting news about the first game of it - and we chat to Erith & Belvedere joint-manager Billy Hamlin, who discusses the challenge of playing at 11am on Sunday, his side's start to the season, the return of striker Tunde Aderonmu and more besides. We also hear from Sheppey United first-team coach Geoff Record after his side continued their perfect start to the Isthmian League South East season with victory at Phoenix Sports. Plus there's all the rest of the news from across the county and lots more besides, including the greatest mystery of 2024 so far... Where is Jon's banana?
  • Kent Non-League Podcast - Episode 306

    01:14:55|
    Ahead of a big weekend of FA Cup action, we hear from two men desperate to make it into the fourth qualifying round - and a manager whose side have made a great start after promotion last term. Maidstone midfielder Jordan Higgs discusses their 2-2 weekend draw with Chesham, his injury frustration since his summer move and why no-one will be taking their tie at Herne Bay for granted. Cray Wanderers face Hastings on Saturday looking to make it through too, in stark contrast to their league form which sees them propping up the Isthmian Premier - boss Neil Smith reflects on their start to the season, life at their new stadium and the tie against their divisional rivals. Erith Town have got 13 points from their first six games as a Step 4 team and their boss Adam Woodward discusses their form, the difference in levels and the club's hard work on and off the pitch. There's all the rest of the news from across the county and, of course, the usual chat and nonsense, including ducks, the rain and the Great British Bake Off.
  • Kent Non-League Podcast - Episode 305

    01:35:07|
    Another bumper podcast after another excellent week in the FA Cup where no fewer than ten of our sides made it through to the Third Qualifying Round. Top billing goes to Herne Bay, who beat Hendon 3-0 to set up a tie with Maidstone - Bay boss Steve Lovell discusses all things FA Cup, his side's lack of league action so far this season and working closely with his son Mark. Ashford United also made it through and Danny Kedwell reflects on his start to life at Homelands, the squad he's built and the potential of the club. It was the end of the line for Corinthian though, and their manager Michael Golding admits it's a struggle for him this season after coming up short against the Nuts and Bolts. In the SCEFL, VCD made it eight wins in nine with a 2-0 win at Snodland - joint-boss Danny Joy discusses their start to the season, looks ahead to the FA Vase this weekend and discusses the importance of signing proven winners like keeper Andy Walker. And Snodland boss Byron Walker remains upbeat despite the loss to VCD, discussing his start to life as a manager and the backing he gets at the club. There's all the rest of the news from around the county, including a perfect start for Ebbsfleet's new boss, and all the usual chat and nonsense, including Toto Schillaci, Italia 90, a "posh breakfast" and being a celebrity...
  • Kent Non-League Podcast - Episode 304

    01:06:19|
    Another bumper show full of Gerrard-sourced interviews after a busy week for many of our teams - and some big FA Cup clashes to come too. Tonbridge Angels are unbeaten so far this season and flying high in the National League South - boss Jay Saunders discusses their start to the season, his new-look defence and the influence of Sean Shields. There was late drama at Margate on Tuesday night as the home side scored deep into injury time to beat Deal - player-boss Ben Greenhalgh discusses that win, his own form, getting his squad built early and the double-edged sword of cup success. Hoops manager Steve King was frustrated after his side lost out at Hartsdown Park, but takes the positives from how his team are competing in their first season at Step Four. It was also disappointing for Adrian Pennock on Saturday as his Dartford side were thrashed 5-1 at Dover - the Darts chief discusses that off day for his side and looks ahead to their FA Cup clash this weekend. We've got all the rest of the news from across the county including two seven-goal thrillers on Tuesday night, and all of the usual chat and nonsense, including birthdays, Back to the Future and childhood phone numbers.
  • Kent Non-League Podcast - Episode 303

    01:18:15|
    A massive weekend of FA Cup action, and we hear from four managers after two all-Kent ties ended with Step 4 sides knocking out higher-level opponents. Sittingbourne boss Ryan Maxwell was thrilled after his side put conceding twice in stoppage time behind them to beat Dover in their replay, and he tells us what the win means to him and the club. Dover boss Jake Leberl admits it was a frustrating night for his side but is hoping his team can end their Kent derby hoodoo this weekend. Ramsgate beat Folkestone at the first time of asking - but both bosses conceded that it would have been different had Invicta not had an early red card. Folkestone boss Andy Drury talks about the defeat and his short and long-term plans at the club, while Rams boss Ben Smith reflects on his so far flawless return to the club this summer. We discuss all the rest of the action, including history-makers Lordswood, and look at the league action up and down the pyramid. Plus we talk Glastonbury, not getting Oasis tickets, Pot Noodle-related injuries, Kula Shaker, Slow Horses and more besides.
  • Kent Non-League Podcast - Episode 302

    01:39:05|
    Better late than never, we're here with all the news and views from a busy Bank Holiday weekend and a look ahead to some huge FA Cup ties this weekend. Among those looking to progress and manager Nicky Southall discusses their excellent start to the season, the cup visit of Binfield, derby delight and a hope to increase crowds by tapping into his former fans. Corinthian are also eyeing a spot in the second qualifying round and their boss Michael Golding discusses their dress rehearsal with weekend opponents Punjab United, his latest squad rebuild and more penalty woe in the Vase. There's a new man in the dugout at Sutton Athletic - Pete Nolan tells us why it was the right club for him, his hopes for the season ahead and the challenges of managing a side without even having a training session. There's all the rest of the action from across the bank holiday weekend and all of the usual chat and nonsense, including Oasis, Ceefax and trips to Folkestone.
  • Kent Non-League Podcast - Episode 301

    01:07:53|
    Matt is back with us this week as we reflect on a great weekend of FA Cup action - and an even better draw for the next round. A SCEFL side is guaranteed to be through after Punjab United were paired with Corinthian - but the Gravesend-based side are celebrating already having made history just by reaching the first qualifying round with their 2-1 win at Rusthall. Boss Chipie Sian reflects on that win, the fine winning goal from one of his young stars and discusses what it means to progress in the famous competition. Rustics boss Jimmy Anderson reflects on his side's cup exit but looks ahead to their FA Vase campaign starting this weekend and Monday's huge derby with Tunbridge Wells. Sittingbourne made it through by ending Farnham's long unbeaten run and earned a plum tie in the next round - Brickies manager Ryan Maxwell discusses their win, three big Kent derbies and his hat-trick hero Mitchell May. We've got all the rest of the news and action, including more hat-tricks and another managerial exit, and all the rest of the chat and nonsense, this week including the moon, holidays, Broski and loads more besides.