Isthmian Premier League News

[Jonty]

Wingate and Finchley won the Isthmian League Cup (Velocity Cup) tonight, beating Ramsgate 1-0 after extra time.

It appears that Lee Martin has been given his marching orders by the Rams.

[KSTDART]

Very sad news , VCD are to cease operations, you would have thought they could have done something with phoenix sports but it looks like another club is going



Current Isthmian South East side VCD Athletic have announced that they will fold at the end of the season.

VCD who have already been relegated back to the SCEFL Premier Division, have made the announcement this evening. It is believe that a change in ownership of their ground, and no negotiations taking place in relation to a new lease has left them homeless and unable to continue playing beyond the end of this season.

It is a sad end for a club formed in 1916 under the name of Vickers (Erith) FC, before later becoming Vickers, Crayford & Dartford Athletic Football Club, who have played at Old Road, Crayford since their inception.

In a statement Club Chairman, Gary Rump said: “It is with profound sadness and the heaviest of hearts that VCD Athletic Football Club announces that, as of 17th May 2026, the club will cease operations.

This decision has not been made lightly. Following the change in ownership of our ground, we have not been offered a new lease to remain at our historic home on Old Road. Despite sustained and genuine efforts by the club to engage in meaningful discussions and to find a way forward, regrettably, opportunities to enter into negotiations have not materialised.

VCD Athletic has proudly been part of the Old Road community since 1916. For over a century, the club has been more than just a football team—it has been a cornerstone of local identity, bringing together players, supporters, volunteers, and generations of families who have shared in its history, spirit, and achievements.

To reach this point, where we must accept that the continuation of the club is no longer viable, is deeply painful. However, in the absence of a lease and with no alternative resolution available, we are left with no option but to acknowledge that this outcome is now inevitable.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported VCD Athletic throughout its long and proud history. Your loyalty, dedication, and passion have been the lifeblood of this club.

As we bring this chapter to a close, we do so with immense pride in what has been built since 1916, and with sincere appreciation for all those who have been part of our journey.”

[Lars Resort]

Any club folding is sad news, no matter how big or local. It's not just the club but players and supporters and community.

[Lars Resort]

It would be ironic should Pennock end up at Ramsgate during the summer should we not get promoted and some fans get their way.
Tailor made.

[PeteSamson]

Sad news indeed. I can recall VCD matches being reported in the old Kentish Times weekly local publication back in the 1960s, along with Brentstonians.

Can also recall VCD getting to the 5th round of the FA Vase in 2005/6 season, when they were drawn away to Cammell Laird (who were one of the favourites to win the Vase) in Birkenhead, not long after I moved back up to Merseyside, and a game I saw.

The game attracted a lot of interest locally because of the links between Vickers and Cammell Laird during and after the war.

[Lars Resort]

Not Isthmian I know but the silly season has started early. Portishead who were due to play tonight in a Southern League play off have found themselves relegated by the FA.
Off we go.

[The Futures White]

There will be no trip to Jersey next season for Dartford. The Bulls lost their play off semi final on penalties after a 0-0 draw with AFC Whyteleafe. In the other Isthmian South East play off semi-final AFC Croydon beat Sittingbourne 2-0.

In the Isthmian North play off semi-finals Redbridge won 3-2 at Felixstowe & Walton Utd and Stanway Rovers won 2-1 at Waltham Abbey.

[rambo]

I went to the Waltham abbey v Stanway game last night. Abbey lost but they were slightly the better side . They lost a midfielder after 3 minutes and obviously gambled with the fitness of Amrit Bansal- McNulty as he was playing one touch and not attempting runs and came off after 15. They led 1-0 at ht then had a player sent off after 55 for a needless trip of a player who was running across the pitch on the halfway line going nowhere. Then conceded a penalty late on but Abbey continued to create chances so I felt they were unlucky to lose
The game was soured as once the final whistle went some fools in the crowd created a fracas so in the end I wished I had stayed home to watch psg v Brian Munich

[DA Mikey]

There will be no trip to Jersey next season for Dartford. The Bulls lost their play off semi final on penalties after a 0-0 draw with AFC Whyteleafe. In the other Isthmian South East play off semi-final AFC Croydon beat Sittingbourne 2-0

Brilliant.
You want: Weekend in Jersey
You’d settle for: A2 derby vs Sittingbourne
You get: Croydon

[DA Mikey]

Meanwhile the ILP playoff final is a battle of the Essex ‘B’ teams as Aveley were upset 1-4 at home by Brentwood and Billericay beat Chatham 3-2 despite a spirited comeback by the Chats after going 3-0 down.

[The Futures White]

Brentwood scored three goals in injury time!.

[KentC]

Meanwhile the ILP playoff final is a battle of the Essex ‘B’ teams as Aveley were upset 1-4 at home by Brentwood and Billericay beat Chatham 3-2 despite a spirited comeback by the Chats after going 3-0 down.

Sadly what does that make us m terms of Kent teams

[Lars Resort]

I hope Brentwood get promoted. I enjoyed the shelacking they gave us at PP despite losing in the last minute and the fact that there was talk of their ground being inadequate.

[Dart of Herts]

I hope Brentwood get promoted. I enjoyed the shelacking they gave us at PP despite losing in the last minute and the fact that there was talk of their ground being inadequate.

I’m the opposite. Trying to stay in the mix for promotion next season will be difficult enough without Billericay. But Brentwood will inevitably get hit with second-season syndrome if they stay at this level

[Grassbank]

Billericay for me. They finished above Brentwood at the end of the league programme. Aveley are the latest team to suffer the loss of promotion due to the play-off arrangement that is presumably aimed at league sponsors and officials so that they can all enjoy an end-of-season get together at their self-created cup final. I do not believe that the play-offs benefit the clubs involved or their supporters. Your results over the season decide if you are relegated, but they do not decide if you are promoted unless you end up as champions. We finish the season long challenge of forty-two matches with a sudden death format that can be decided by a poor decision by any one player or official. It is a nonsense.

[Lars Resort]

Do you mean the second season syndrome that we had DoH?
I only base my theory on their performance at PP, the best I'd seen all season. I don't really care who goes up as Billericay seem to be on a roll.

[Dart of Herts]

Do you mean the second season syndrome that we had DoH?
I only base my theory on their performance at PP, the best I'd seen all season. I don't really care who goes up as Billericay seem to be on a roll.

Yea our second season in the conference. It’s quite common

[Lars Resort]

No, I mean this season.
Under achieved.

[Dart of Herts]

No, I mean this season.
Under achieved.

Second season syndrome is about newly-promoted teams that are relatively small for their new division. They have momentum, confidence and a good playing system from their promotion season, and bigger teams underestimate them. After their first season, bigger teams raid them of their best players and learn to stop the tactics that caught them off guard in the first season.

Obviously it’s a trend, not a golden rule. But I’d put money on Brentwood being nowhere near the top 5 next season (if they lose the final)

If they go up, I’m happy for them, but it’s better for us if they stay down

[Lars Resort]

True,. What with Eastbourne and Three Bridges, possibly AFC Croydon too that have money behind them, we'd do well to finish in the top ten next season.