Ahead of what will be our first season at this level of football in our history, The Bay have faced a challenging pre-season schedule, one designed to test the side all over the pitch.

In the most recent outing against Sittingbourne, Kymani Thomas’ first half stunner was not enough as we were beaten 2-1 at The Jarmans Solicitors Stadium.

Thomas handed Ben Smith’s side the perfect start after only two minutes, curling the ball from 25-yards out into the top corner, before Kane Rowland levelled the score only a few minutes later.

Hassan Jalloh, Mike West, and Kieron Campbell had chances to put the visitors back in front, only for the Sittingbourne defence to keep them at bay.

Harry Harding gave the hosts the lead midway through the second period from the penalty spot, after a teammate went down on the edge of the box.

And despite a few half chances, Herne Bay were unable to further trouble the Sittingbourne back line, ending their pre-season campaign with defeat in the process.

The Opposition

Our hosts on Sunday were formed in 1960 under the name of Mount Grace Old Scholars, before reverting to the name ‘Potters Bar Town’ in the early 90s. They were accepted into the Barnet & District League on 29th June 1960.

Despite many early successes, many recommended that the club should be closed in 1978 but they elected to plough on, despite relegation. Micky Holson became manager and in 1981/82 they were back in the Premier Division, as Division One Champions.

In 1996/97, the South Midlands Premier Division title was won, but they were unable to apply for promotion to the Isthmian League due to the amount of work that needed to be done.

The following season, 1997/98, the club reached the quarter final of the FA Vase, going down 2-0 to Kidsgrove Athletic, only conceding in the second period of extra time. They were also runners-up in the league but won the Challenge Trophy and the South Midlands Floodlight Cup.

For 2006/07, our hosts were moved to the Ryman League Division 1 North, while enjoying a successful FA Cup run, losing 3-2 to full-time Woking of the Conference National, in the 4th qualifying round, after wins against Waltham Abbey, Wealdstone, Maldon Town and Margate. They were then moved back to the Southern League for the 2013/14 season.

Several years later, they found themselves playing their football in the Isthmian League Division One North, before embarking on another lengthy and successful run in the FA Cup, losing to Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Following two Covid interrupted seasons, Potters Bar Town ended up 13th in the Isthmian League Premier Division table, a respectable finish given the challenges they faced during that campaign, most notably the continued water logging of their pitch, which put us behind in league fixtures.

They finished the 21/22 season with a record of 16 wins, five draws, and 21 losses, scoring 54 goals but conceding 74 for a goal difference of -20.

Key Players

Dejon Noel-Williams (Forward) - Noel-Williams joined Potters Bar Town from National League South side Braintree town, making 16 appearances while playing at Cressing Road.

On top of having experience of playing at a higher level, Dejon also has experience of playing on the international stage, having suited up for Grenada. He debuted for Grenada in a 1–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification loss to Antigua and Barbuda on 4 June 2021.

Two years ago, the dangerous forward was playing oversees for Spanish Third Division club CD Guadalajara, before plying his trade for the likes of Hemel Hempstead Town and Gloucester City.

Emmanuel Agboola (Goalkeeper) - The Potters Bar shot-stopper is a man with plenty of experience under his belt, having signed on as a professional with current League One side Oxford United.

A product of Reading’s academy, Agboola has previously played for Corinthian Casuals, meaning that he knows a thing or two about playing in the Isthmian League Premier Division.
A talented ‘keeper, we will need to be at our best on Sunday to find a way past him.

Tyler Christian-Law (Midfield) - Experienced central midfielder Tyler Christian-Law has managed to attain playing time at a higher level, such as making 17 appearances for Braintree Town in the 2019/20 season, scoring two goals.

A good leader, Tyler is someone that those who play with him look up to. He is the kind of player that thrives on contributing any way possible, while also having a very good read of what is going on in front of him.

Ticket News

Adults - £12
Concessions & Students - £8
Under 16’s - £1

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