Match Preview

KENT SENIOR CUP ROUND 1
RAMSGATE v CRAY VALLEY (PM)
WEDNESDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER 2023 KO 19.45PM

VENUE: WW MARTIN COMMUNITY STADIUM, PRINCES AVENUE, RAMSGATE CT11 0AN

ADMISSION PRICES: Adults £10, Concessions (over 60's, unemployed and students) £5, Juniors U18 Free

Referee: Steven Goldup
Assistants: Benjamin Marshall and Bradley Godden

Kent Senior Cup
Ramsgate are previous winners of the Kent Senior Cup having beat Maidstone United 3-1 in the final on the 25th April 1964. Last season there reached the semi finals where they were beaten 3-1 by the eventual winners Margate. Entry is compulsory for all step 4 sides and above. With the competition not run during the Covid season 2020/21 this will be the fourth Kent Senior Cup campaign for Cray Valley. After two first round exits, last season saw victories against Folkestone Invicta 3-1 and Bromley 1-0 before losing 3-0 in the quarter final stage at Margate who, as stated above, were eventual winners.

The season so far
It has been a busy start to the season for Ramsgate and Cray Valley who have both enjoyed success in the early rounds of the FA Cup and FA Trophy. Putting aside a Velocity Trophy exit to Ashford United, Ramsgate have lost just once this season in their opening league game against Sevenoaks Town. Although they gained revenge beating them in the FA Trophy on Saturday. Cray Valley who did not enter the Velocity Trophy remain unbeaten in all competitions.

Team selection
Respective managers Ben Smith and Steve McKimm will no doubt have one eye on upcoming games, not least the Third Round Qualifying of the FA Cup when Ramsgate host Frome Town and Cray Valley travel to McKimm's former side Carshalton Athletic. It seems highly likely therefore that a few of the youngsters could be given an opportunity in the Kent Senior Cup but this won't make it any less competitive with some promising players on show for both sides. It is also an opportunity for that great attribute, a winning mentality and momentum to be maintained.

Previous Meetings
Cray Valley were beaten in their opening league game here last season although won the return at the Artic Stadium. In the six games between the two sides Cray Valley have won four, with one draw and that one defeat.
Full details of past games can be found here:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/a/season-202324--opponents-previous-meetings-62212.html?page=17