Two weeks after The FA announced the draws for the initial rounds of The Emirates FA Cup, the Buildbase FA Trophy and the Buildbase FA Vase, the fixture cogs have been turning for the various leagues and yesterday the Southern Combination Football League were in a position to release their initial set of fixtures, including a full season's proposal for the Premier Division, which means an away trip to Eastbourne United AFC to start the league campaign. In a delightful symmetry, the Magpies' 1st Team will commence their SCFL season against the same opposition that they completed the last, albeit with a change of venue. That encounter was a closely fought 1-0 victory for the men from Plaistow Road and this one will sure to be an equally stern test of both sides' credentials.
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The first league visitors to Plaistow Road will be Three Bridges FC who will make their first ever competitive trip to The Nest on Tuesday 15 August. After 5 seasons in the Isthmian League, The Bridges were relegated after finishing next to bottom last season and it is clear that they are firmly intent on bouncing back up at the first attempt.
The opponents for the following Saturday will depend upon the result of the opening competitive match of the season (Holmesdale in the FA Cup) as that is the given slot for the next round and may see the Magpies travel to either Epsom & Ewell or Banstead Athletic, both of the Combined Counties League; or it may see them with a league fixture if their fall at the first hurdle. |
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One quirk that has been thrown up in the early stages of the season is that Pagham FC will visit Plaistow Road twice in the space of a week (subject to FA Cup replays). The two sides have been drawn against each other in the 2nd Round of the Peter Bentley League Cup, which is scheduled for Tuesday 22 August and The Lions have also been given the same away trip for the August Bank Holiday match, which is currently planned for an 11:00 kick off that day, although discussions are currently taking place between the two sides to ascertain if there is a more convenient option for that fixture.
We are now a mere 2 weeks away from competitive action and the release of these details only heightens further the excitement that all have for the upcoming campaign. |
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