Dray Has His Day And Levi's In Fashion For The Stones!

By Sam Elliott

It’s time to introduce you to your Vanarama National League South big winners after a month to remember for two clubs in particular.

The FA Cup may have taken centre stage in September, but the battle for points is rarely far from the mind of fans, managers and players.

The road to Wembley may have been closed before it really opened for Taunton Town.

But that gave them the chance to do something they never thought was possible - end the month top of the table.

An early FA Cup exit was forgotten by the Peacocks, who made the most of the other teams at the top being otherwise occupied. Their 2-1 win over Eastbourne Borough crowned a great four weeks where they won three times and drew twice in the league.

They also beat Dartford and Tonbridge Angels, with points earned at Chippenham and also against Havant & Waterlooville. Manager Rob Dray says he isn’t getting carried away by what he’s seen so far.

But the experienced boss says sitting top is great news for the club and the town - even if his team may not be considered as promotion outsiders for much longer!

Despite going into the campaign on the back of a horror season, nobody thought the 2021-22 champions Maidstone United would go under the radar on their Vanarama National League South return.

Still full-time, the Stones always hoped to be in the promotion picture.

With Levi Amantchi on their side, they’ve got every chance of being in the mix when it matters. He scored four league goals last month and three in the FA Cup.

Forming a formidable partnership with Solomon Wanjau-Smith during September as Maidstone finished in the play-off places, they are fighting on all fronts still - and fans think they’re now finding their feet back in a division which holds great memories for the club.

One thing is for sure, Amantchi loves a W - he bagged a brace against Weymouth, Worthing and Winchester City within a few weeks, and is fast becoming a forward to fear.

Congratulations to our deserving two winners!

Where next?

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Expectations Are A Good Thing Says Alty Boss Parkinson Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson says it’s fine for fans to start dreaming as the club’s blistering form continues.