The Kent Non-League Football Podcast

Five of our six teams in action went out in the FA Trophy - but it was another fine afternoon for Sittingbourne with another upset to leave them as one of three Step 4 teams in the competition. Boss Ryan Maxwell reflects on that victory, looks ahead to hosting Enfield in the next round and discusses his side's excellent league form. SCEFL side Rusthall are celebrating their 125th anniversary this year with the release of a book covering their history - book editor and former club chairman Ben Martin tells us some of the most fascinating tales from the club's history and how the book has been 25 years in the making. Lydd Town have a new manager, and that man is Nicky Southall, who returns to the game not long after leaving Lordswood - he reflects on where it all went wrong at Lordswood, why Lydd was the right move next and looks ahead to facing his old club in his first league game. We dissect the current situation at Ebbsfleet and look at the rest of the news and action from across the county, as well as the usual chat and nonsense, which includes idiots in pubs, running and Matt's quiz success.

Five Kent teams made it into the last 64 of the FA Vase last weekend - and we hear from the winners of an all-SCEFL tie. Erith & Belvedere didn't have it all their own way as they lost their captain to a broken ankle early on, and joint-boss Billy Hamlin reflects on that blow and hails his keeper for his performance after his side made it through on spot-kicks at Bearsted. Bears boss Kev Stevens was gutted to go out of the competition and discusses that exit, the injury problems that have hurt their season so far and his hope to get more people through the gates. Chatham Town earned a point against league leaders Dover Athletic and their boss Kevin Hake reflects on that game, the strength of the Isthmian League Premier Division and the progress his club are making on and off the pitch. There's all the rest of the news from across the county too, and a helping of the usual chat and nonsense, including Rivals, Football Manager and samosas at Matt's work.

Matt is back for another busy show this week, as we look ahead to the FA Cup and reflect on a busy, goal-laden week of league action. Maidstone United co-owner Oliver Ash discusses his side's start to the season, why it was a slow burner and looks ahead to Saturday's FA Cup trip to Solihull Moors. Beckenham are still top of the Isthmian League South East after a pair of wins this week, and new boss Del Oldfield discusses his start to life at Eden Park, why it was the right time to move and their spot at the top of the league. Deal Town were one of the sides beaten by the Becks, but they bounced back with a 4-2 away win at Littlehampton on Tuesday night and manager Steve King reflects on their start to life at Step Four and looks ahead to some big games this week. There's all the rest of the news from across the county, including goals galore in the SCEFL and a look ahead to some interesting fixture scheduling this week. Plus there's all the usual chat and nonsense, including Matt's holiday, reading books, freezing swimming pools and loads more besides.

With Matt sunning himself on holiday, non-league programme columnist, blogger, podcaster and Kentish Man Trevor Knell sits in for a bumper show after another brilliant weekend of football. Rochester United came back from 3-0 down on their way to an FA Vase upset at Lordswood and their boss Matt Hume reflects on that comeback, explains what he said at half-time and discusses the SCEFL Division One season so far. There's a new man in charge at Phoenix Sports and Darren Anslow discusses the challenges of building a side in the middle of a season and swapping top for bottom in the Isthmian South East. Herne Bay overcame Phoenix on Saturday and Bay manager Steve Lovell reflects on that win and discusses his passion for bringing young players through. And with Dover Athletic sitting top of the table, their top scorer George Nikaj tells Matt about the season so far, how he has found the goal trail and why he's not getting too carried away. There's all the rest of the news, including seven more FA Vase wins and a 6-6 draw, plus all the usual chat and nonsense, including Biffy Clyro (shock!), songs that last a million years, Joan and loads more besides.

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.

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.

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?

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.