FA Trophy
Saturday 24 October, kickoff 15:00
Faversham Town will look to make their mark on the FA Trophy when they host Newmarket at home this Saturday, 24 October, with a 15:00 BST kick-off. The competition represents a prestigious opportunity for the Kent side to test themselves against opposition from beyond the county, and with momentum firmly on their side heading into the tie, the stage is set for what promises to be a compelling afternoon of non-league football.
The form guide
Both sides arrive at this fixture in remarkable shape, making it one of the more evenly matched ties of the round on paper. Faversham Town have been in imperious form of late, recording three consecutive victories to boast a perfect 100% form rating. Their defensive record has been particularly eye-catching, with a defence-rating of 89% suggesting they have been exceptionally difficult to break down in recent weeks. Their attack, rated at 58%, has also been contributing meaningfully, and the combination of solidity at the back and productivity going forward will give the home faithful plenty of reason for optimism.
Newmarket arrive in equally confident mood, having also won their last three matches to match Faversham’s 100% form rating. Their attack carries a rating of 53%, while their defensive record sits at 74% — respectable figures, though the comparison does suggest that Faversham hold a meaningful edge at the back. Neither side has tasted defeat in their recent run, meaning something will have to give on Saturday afternoon.
The head-to-head record
This fixture offers something of an unknown quantity when it comes to historical meetings. There are no recent encounters on record between Faversham Town and Newmarket, meaning neither side can draw on past experience of facing the other to inform their preparation. With no head-to-head data to lean on, the tie is very much a blank slate — a factor that adds an extra layer of intrigue to proceedings and ensures that Saturday’s match will be decided purely on current form and what unfolds on the day.
The men in the dugout
Details regarding the managers of both sides remain unconfirmed ahead of the fixture. What is clear, however, is that whoever is leading Faversham Town and Newmarket into this tie has done an impressive job of building winning momentum in recent weeks. Both dugouts will be tasked with translating that form into a positive result in a cup tie that carries its own unique pressures and demands, and the tactical battle between the two benches could prove decisive.
Players to watch
There are no standout individual scorers from either side highlighted ahead of this fixture, which in itself tells an interesting story. Faversham Town’s recent success appears to have been built on collective effort and defensive resilience rather than reliance on a single match-winner, and the same can be said of Newmarket. That team-oriented approach from both sides suggests Saturday’s tie could be a tight, disciplined affair in which the margins are fine and a moment of individual quality from an unlikely source could prove the difference. Supporters on both sides will be watching closely to see who steps up when it matters most.
The prediction
Bookmaker advice: Combo Double chance : Faversham Town or draw and +3.5 goals
The prediction engine paints a fascinating picture for this one. Home advantage gives Faversham Town a slight edge, with a 45% win probability, but the draw is rated equally likely at 45%, while Newmarket are given just a 10% chance of leaving Kent with the spoils. The defensive comparison is particularly striking, with Faversham holding a significant 71% to 29% advantage in that department — a factor that could well shape how the game unfolds. Goals are anticipated, with the data pointing toward a match producing more than three and a half in total, suggesting that despite the defensive strengths on show, this could be an open and entertaining contest. On balance, a Faversham Town win or a draw looks the most likely outcome, with the home side’s defensive solidity giving them a narrow but credible advantage. A close, hard-fought match seems inevitable — but Faversham will fancy their chances in front of their own supporters.
Match details
| Competition | FA Trophy |
|---|---|
| Kick-off | Saturday 24 October, 15:00 |
| Venue | TBC |
| Home | Faversham Town |
| Away | Newmarket |
Preview data via api-football. Form, head-to-head, standings, manager and prediction figures sourced live at the time of compilation; squad and team-news availability subject to last-minute change.