Cherry Red Records Premier Challenge Cup Gets Underway

As well as all the FA Vase ties this weekend, tomorrow (5 Sep) sees the opening matches in the League’s major cup competition, The Cherry Red Records Premier Challenge Cup, which sees all the League’s member clubs take part in a straight knock-out competition. Unlike in some higher level competitions, the Premier Challenge Cup is taken very seriously by all member clubs and quite rightly so.

The vast majority of ties take place in midweek but there are two this Saturday, both of which see Premier Division clubs entertaining clubs from Division One.

Firstly Redhill FC take on Sandhurst Town in what is probably the first ever clash between the clubs. Redhill were expected by many to be a strong force in the League this season, following relegation from the Ryman League, and they may well still be, but they have yet to get off the mark. Sandhurst in the meantime endured a miserable season last time round but this ex-Premier Division club seem to have turned the corner to some extent this time round.

The other tie sees Westfield entertain Farleigh Rovers. Westfield are generally a solid side these days, a match for anyone on their day but Farleigh are Division One champions from last season and, although they have not got off to a blistering start, should give the home side a run for their money.

Both matches kick off at 3.00 p.m. and will be played to a finish (i.e. extra time and penalties if required).