THERE is a big Kent derby this weekend as Ashford Town take on Tonbridge Angels in Ryman League Division 1 at Homelands on Saturday.

Town have already shown they are capable of competing with the best in the league, but the results have not often reflected their best spells.

They are likely to be without defender Jamie Smith for the rest of the season after his third sending off will see a further lengthy ban added to the one he is currently serving.

But Adrian Stone has made a welcome return to boost the Town attack adding a bit of needed pace and Peter Morley has also made a return to Homelands to provide defensive cover for Smith.

Angels won the first meeting between the sides in September 3-1.

Tony Dolby's side lie in fourth place, but are only two points behind leaders Horsham, with games in hand on all the leaders.

He said: "We expect to win, but know it will be tough. The pitch will be horrible, wet and heavy but we must just get on with it."

Title rivals Ramsgate, in third place, are at home to Molesey after a disappointing draw at Fleet Town on Tuesday night, watched by just 93 fans.

In the same division, Cray Wanderers host Hastings United, but Dover Athletic have a blank weekend due to the league having 23 teams.

New player-coach Mark Saunders is expected to make his home debut when Folkestone Invicta meet Hampton and Richmond Borough in the Ryman League Premier Division at the Buzzlines Stadium.

Saunders made a surprise debut in the 2-0 defeat away to Billericay Town after recently joining the club from Gillingham.

Saturday’s encounter will bring back memories of Invicta’s infamous encounter at home to Hampton and Richmond last January when referee Gavin Hoare walked off the pitch after 65 minutes.

Bromley manager George Wakeling has praised his patched-up side’s commitment ahead of the visit of fourth-placed Fisher.

Last weekend’s 1-0 win over Walton ended a run of nine matches without a victory and Wakeling hopes the players have learnt their lessons.

He said: "If you analyse the run of games, we shouldn’t have ended up on the wrong side of some of those results. It’s just been individual errors and we’ve been paying for it."

In the same division, Margate travel to Slough Town.

DartfordDartford take to the road for the first time this year looking to extend their three-match unbeaten streak in Southern League Division 1 East.

Tony Burman is expecting a tough trip to Waltham Forest as he challenges his team to transfer their exceptional home form into happy away days.

The Darts boss has seen the side go three games unbeaten at Stonebridge Road - without conceding a goal - which has lifted them to fourth in the table.

He said: "When they came to our place they played exceptionally well and they've got some exceptional young players, which is similar to what we've got here.

The club's form has got many talking about promotion but Burman is cautious.

He said: "I'm not going to be making any predictions as things can change so quickly. There's still a long way to go and there will be plenty more ups and downs."

Chatham Town entertain fifth-placed Stamford on Saturday looking to build on their midweek cup success.

Striker Luke Harris is out with a knee injury but midfielder Steve Best is expected to have recovered from a hamstring strain.

Glenn Billiness is unavailable but Rob Denness has recovered from flu and should be fit to start up front.

Sittingbourne entertain Harlow at Bourne Park.

Manager Steve Lovell said: "From a physiological point of view, it’s important for the players to start climbing a few places in the table and beating Harlow would be a start.

"There are still 19 games left and I haven’t ruled out us finishing in the top six."

* Ramsgate manager Jim Ward has arranged a friendly against Kent League side Lordswood at Southwood on Monday, kick-off 7.45pm.

It has been arranged to give fringe players and several returning from injury a run-out. Admission is adults and £1 concessions. Season ticket holders get in free.

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