Match Preview

Herne Bay Superfan Ken Dixon is set to meet up with one of his contemporaries. Ken, who won the Isthmian League Supporter of the Season for 2017/18, will come face-to-face with another who has been presented with this prestigious award. In Ken’s trophy cabinet he also has the prizes for Kent FA and Kent Reliance ‘Magic of The Cup’ Award January 2016, Herne Bay FC Supporters’ Association Supporter of the Season 2015/16, Herne Bay FC Clubman of the Season 2016/17 and The FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards 2018 Kent FA Supporter of the Year.

Witham Town’s James Beardwell, the Isthmian League Supporter of the Season for 2016/17 will be visiting. He wrote on twitter: “I can’t wait for my fantastic @Withamtownfc pre-season away day on the train to @Herne_Bay_FC in Kent on Saturday 3rd August. COYTOWN!”

Clubs named Witham Town have been in existence since 1876 with the original club being disbanded in 1914 due to World War I. In 1971 they were founder members of the Essex Senior League and were its inaugural champions. They won the league again in 1985/86 and after finishing as runners-up the following season, were promoted to Division Two North of the Isthmian League in 1987. They remained in Division Two until being relegated to Division Three in 2000, which was renamed Division Two in 2002. After finishing as runners-up in 2005/06 they were promoted to Division One North. They remained there until finishing second from bottom in 2008/09 and being relegated back to the Essex Senior League. The Town’s third campaign at County level saw them end as Champions gaining a return to the Isthmian League and within two seasons, they reached the Premier Division. There was only one season at this level and after finishing 22nd they dropped back to the Isthmian North. They ended one place above the relegation zone last season.

We have met twice in recent times in the FA Trophy. Goals from James Turner, Elliot Cutts, Liam Quinn and Danny Williams led Herne Bay to a 4-2 victory in the Preliminary Round in October 2015 at Spa Road whilst last season, in the First Qualifying Round, Bay won 2-1 thanks to goals from Bradley Schafer and Connor Wilkins.

Witham come into this match unbeaten in pre-season and all of their games have been on the road with wins at Harwich (1-0), Whitton (3-2), Tiptree Engaine (3-0), White Notley (5-3), Halsted Town (1-0) and draws at Mildenhall Town (1-1) and Haverhill Rovers (1-1).

Written by Steve Barton