Southern Counties East & Trophy Round-Up: Saturday 21 February 2026

Whitstable Town: Bradley Schafer (12') Bradley Schafer (61')Javaun Splatt (77' pen)

Whitstable Town booked their place in the Kent Senior Trophy Final with a composed 3–0 victory over Rusthall at The Primcura Healthcare Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Bradley Schafer gave the hosts an early advantage in the 12th minute and doubled both his tally and Whitstable’s lead shortly after the hour mark.

Rusthall battled to get back into the contest, but Whitstable remained in control, and any hopes of a comeback were ended in the 77th minute when Javaun Splatt calmly converted from the penalty spot. With 562 supporters in attendance and referee Byron Beard overseeing proceedings, Whitstable produced a professional performance to secure their spot in the final.

Bearsted: Jarred Trespaderne (29') Jake Embery (64' pen)

Phoenix Sports: Louie Downey (52') Jensen Grant (94')

Bearsted were denied all three points in dramatic fashion as Phoenix Sports struck deep into stoppage time to secure a 2–2 draw at Otham Sports Ground. Jarred Trespaderne gave the hosts the lead in the 29th minute, putting Bearsted in control at the break after a competitive opening half.

Phoenix Sports responded shortly after half-time through Louie Downey on 52 minutes, but Bearsted regained the advantage when Jake Embery converted from the penalty spot in the 64th minute. Just as it seemed the home side would see out the win, Jensen Grant netted in the 90+4th minute to snatch a late equaliser for the visitors.

In front of 85 supporters, it was a contest that swung both ways and ultimately ended with honours even.

Erith & Belvedere: Freddie Baker (3' pen) Ryan Fowler (85')

Tunbridge Wells were beaten 2–0 away at Erith & Belvedere in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division on Saturday afternoon. The hosts made the perfect start when Freddie Baker converted from the penalty spot in just the third minute, putting Wells on the back foot early at the Acclaim Handling Community Stadium.

Despite efforts to find a way back into the game, Tunbridge Wells were unable to break through, and Erith & Belvedere sealed the result late on when Ryan Fowler struck in the 85th minute. In front of 101 supporters, the home side secured a solid victory, while Wells were left to reflect on missed opportunities.

Kennington: Ryan Philpott (41')

Kennington edged past Snodland Town with a narrow 1–0 victory at Homelands in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division. The decisive moment came just before half-time when Ryan Philpott struck in the 41st minute to give the hosts the advantage.

Snodland Town pushed for an equaliser in the second half, but Kennington held firm to secure all three points in a closely contested encounter.

Larkfield & New Hythe: Nathan Green (48')

Faversham Strike Force: Kane Taylor (14' pen) Harry Taylor (50')

Larkfield & New Hythe were narrowly beaten 1-2 at home by Faversham Strike Force in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division. The visitors took the lead in the 14th minute when Kane Taylor converted from the penalty spot, giving Strike Force an early advantage at the Eden Estates Stadium.

Nathan Green brought Larkfield level shortly after the restart with a 48th-minute strike, but the response was immediate as Harry Taylor restored Faversham’s lead just two minutes later. Despite efforts from the hosts to find another equaliser, the visitors held on to claim the points in front of 70 supporters.