The first piece of silverware in the Southern Counties East League was decided on Good Friday.
Erith Town lifted the Challenge Cup after a penalty shoot-out win over Corinthian at Hollands & Blair’s Star Meadow ground.
Michael Hagan put Corinthian ahead on the half-hour following a defensive mistake. While Erith had plenty of play in the second half they were kept at bay until five minutes from time when James Dyer tucked away a spot-kick after a rash challenge in the box.
The game went to spot-kicks with Erith’s Harry Taylor converting at the second time of asking, his initial shot was saved by the eagle-eyed assistant spotted keeper Nathan Boamah had moved too early.
Corinthian promptly missed their next penalty, Erith keeper Mackenzie Foley diving to his left to push the ball away. Erith remained faultless and won it when James Miles drilled home his spot-kick.
The cup action continued on Saturday with Lewisham booking their place in the Division 1 Cup Final against Larkfield following a 3-1 home win over Faversham Strike Force.
In league action, the top four sides in Division 1 met each other. Leaders AFC Whyteleafe were beaten for only the third time this season, 3-2 at Rochester who moved into second spot.
Mike Hill put the Leafe ahead but Tom Loynes levelled before the break. Freeman Rogers and Charlie Barlow put Rochester 3-1 ahead before a late goal from Jay Andrews.
Fourth-place Larkfield kept their title hopes alive with a deserved 3-1 home win over Staplehurst, who dropped down to third spot.
Fraser Walker turned the ball in after a corner wasn’t cleared to put the Larks ahead and Matt Day’s brilliant 30-yard free-kick made it 2-0 on 39 minutes.
A needless foul presented Connor Watson the chance to reduce the arrears from the spot-kick early in the second half for Staplehurst.
But the game was over just past the hour mark when a deep free-kick was headed back across goal for the unmarked Timmy Babington to convert.
Larkfield trail Whyteleafe by 12 points but have three games in hand.
Deal are 13 points away from the Premier Division title following a 3-1 home win over Sutton Athletic in front of 712.
Billy Munday and Jamie Kennedy scored in the first half with Ashley Miller adding a third goal.
Punjab United remain in the chase for a play-off spot after a 2-0 success at Holmesdale thanks to Cruis Nyadzayo and Wayne Bushell.
But fellow hopefuls Lydd and Snodland both dropped points at home. Lydd twice led at home to Tunbridge Wells but were forced to settle for a point.
In front of 267, Troy Howard put the Lydders ahead but Trevor McCreadie equalised. Luke Burdon restored the advantage on the stroke of half-time, only for McCreadie to strike again with 13 minutes left.
Snodland trailed to Matt Gething’s second-minute goal at home to Lordswood but levelled through Robbie Bissett’s spot-kick.
Jack Nelson then put Snodland ahead but Lords levelled through Jacob Strouts just before the break.
Whitstable proved too strong for struggling Rusthall, who left The Belmont on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline.
A crowd of 411 saw Mikey Dalton’s penalty added to by Emmanuel Oloyede and James Jeffrey before Jack Kirby netted a late consolation.
VCD’s improved form continued with a 4-1 success at Stansfeld courtesy of Harry Lawrence, Manny Shoderu, Zak Bryon and an own goal.
