Match Preview

Whitstable go into the New Year on the back of a big win having dismantled Maidstone 2s at home in a friendly after Snowdon pulled out of their league fixture. It was Whitstable’s most complete performance of the season as they executed a structured game plan and took four of their five scoring chances against their toughest opponents to date.

Dartford Valley go into the game in 6th place having won four of their last five games, however it is the home side who will be expected to take the spoils. The Blues sit in 2nd in the league on 43 points, just 2 points off league leader’s Brockleians, and maintain a 100% home record this season, whilst Dartford Valley have taken just 18 points from their nine games.

Personnel changes see Ryan Crane return to the front row in place of Joey Taggart who sustained an injury against Maidstone. Tony Cairney moves into the second row and Mal Graves starts at number 8 with Matt Hall unavailable. James Garland returns to the starting line up at outside centre having recovered from a dislocated shoulder and impressing off the bench at fullback three weeks ago.

The young Whitstable side are still chasing promotion and 1st place in the league; starting the New Year with a convincing win is vital, and although they are the favourites, they know they have to earn it.

The match will kick off at 2pm, Saturday 6th December.