Thamesmead F.C. was formed in 1969 as a community team for local youngsters. The club merged with Southlake FC in 1973, and by 1979 were fielding a Saturday team, playing on park pitches at Crossways. In 1980 the club entered the London Spartan League at the Intermediate Division Three level. In 1985, the club changed its name to Thamesmead Town FC, and later that year they relocated to Bayliss Avenue. The club finally gained senior status during the summer of 1987 and were accepted into the London Spartan League Premier Division for the 1987/88 season. The club joined the Kent League in June 1991, where they remained until 2008, generally finishing amongst the top half dozen in the table. In 2007/08, Thamesmead Town were champions of the Kent League, winning the title on the last day of the season.
That campaign, in August 2007, there was a 0-0 draw between our Clubs at Winch’s Field which could have been 5-5 if it had not been for some solid goalkeeping and defensive displays. By March 2007 Mead were well on their way to the title and Herne Bay came back from Bayliss Avenue defeated 4-2 with our goals from the two Brown’s, Ben and Simon. Ben Brown had also been on the scoresheet in the home Kent Senior Trophy 2-1 loss. In the 17 seasons of Kent League encounters Herne Bay have the slightly better record, won 14, drawn 8 and lost 12, scoring 52 times and conceding 56.
The title ensured promotion to the Isthmian League where Thamesmead played in the Division One North. In 2012/13, they finished third and beat Witham Town 3-2 in the play-off semi-finals, drew 2-2 with Maldon & Tiptree in the final, before winning 4-1 on penalties to move up to the Isthmian Premier. The stay there was short-lived and they were relegated after just one season. Their best finished since has been 10th and last time out ended 17th and a move to the Division One South followed. After failing to reach agreement on a new lease with their Bayliss Road landlords they have signed a five-year deal to groundshare at Dartford’s Princes Park starting this season. Thamesmead are 20th in the attendance table with an average of 102 (highest 134, lowest 74).
On Saturday they travelled to Chipstead and came away with a 2-1 victory, which followed two previous losses, moving them up to 13th place with 14 points from 10 games (four wins, two draws and four defeats). Herne Bay are two places higher with four more points but have played a game more. This will be our first meeting in the Isthmian League.
All you need to know coming to see the Mead at Princes Park.
Admission prices – Adults £10; Concessions £5; Students £3. All supporters are requested to enter the ground through Turnstiles 2 and 3 which are situated at the opposite end of the ground to the main car park. We would appreciate you informing your supporters that the only available bar area prior to the game will be CHAMPIONS BAR which they must pass en-route to the turnstiles, as we do not have access to the bars inside the ground. There will be the usual refreshments available inside the ground but no alcohol will be served. However, at half time, a gate will be opened to allow access to Champions Bar – this gate will remain open until approximately TEN minutes into the second half. After the game, Champions Bar will be open to all supporters prior to a safe journey home.