Corinthian FC is an amateur football club, formed in 1972 by RJ Billings snr, based close to the Kent town of Sevenoaks, to provide a place to play the game in a safe environment while teaching players the principles of its founder.
Gay Dawn Farm welcomed many big-name clubs in Corinthian’s first decade. With Tony Sitford installed as manager, the side progressed from youth football to the Southern League, becoming members of the Southern Division in 1985-86.
Because the ‘Hoops’ retained their amateur status, they struggled to attract players, leading to them dropping back down to the Kent League after the 1990-91 season. In 1998, the club voluntarily dropped down to Division Two, while the lower levels of the club were rebuilt.
They re-established their youth set up and fielded five teams by 2008, of different levels and ages. A liaison with Welling United was created, integrating a senior side, progressing to the Suburban League South Division in 2009-10.
The Kent League was rejoined, which was renamed the Southern Counties East League in 2013. Back in 1987-88, the side reached the fifth round of the FA Vase, going out to Clevedon Town. Michael Golding was appointed as manager in January 2015, as Corinthian reached the fourth round in 2016-17 when Exmouth Town ended the run.
Corinthian were league runners-up in 2018-19, before going on another big FA Vase run the following campaign. This led to a semifinal tie at Gay Dawn against Hebburn Town, which ended in defeat on penalties and thwarting any dreams of a Wembley appearance.
This was during the first of two abandoned league seasons owing to the worldwide pandemic. Non-league football was restructured when normality returned, with Corinthian’s previous efforts being rewarded in promotion.
The Hoops were placed in the South East Division of the Isthmian League for the 2021-22 season, finishing eighth, before being relegated in 2022-23, and returning to the Premier Division of the Southern Counties East League.
The playoffs
were reached in 2023-24, leading to a win against Faversham Town, before Erith
Town won the final on penalties to deny Corinthian promotion. Keith McMahon was
appointed as manager in May 2025, replacing Golding, who had enjoyed ten years
in charge of the side.
Corinthian FC will play in the
My visit
Corinthian 2 Erith & Belvedere 1 (Saturday 3rd July 2021) Pre-Season Friendly (att: c30)
Covid restrictions were gradually being relented, with some rules and regulations to be adhered to. I wanted to get out and about on my weekend away from work and generally have some fun in what had been a difficult period for many.
As is often the case, I changed my mind about my destination several times in the days before the game. Ideally, I wanted an early kick-off and a new tick. I'd initially set off towards Ampthill v Totternhoe, but I forgot the Jubilee line was up the creek, so I headed to Victoria for the train to Longfield.
I was rewarded by a feisty encounter with plenty of skill on display as the newly promoted hosts came from behind to defeat a decent pacey Deres side, who had a most entertaining keeper, who certainly added to the visit.
An interesting 1.5-mile walk along Valley Road and then Rectory Road, with cars occasionally going past, uphill without footpaths, once out of Longfield to Gay Dawn Farm, a lovely venue out in the sticks, with the roar of engines from racing at Brands Hatch in the background.
Everything about the venue smacked of quality at Corinthian Sports Club. The warm welcome and plush upstairs bar were appreciated after the walk. It had indoor and outdoor 3G pitches for small-sided games, a second floodlit full-sized pitch, and a 9-hole golf course.
I spent most of the match in the raised seated stand straddling the halfway line once I had paid my £5 admission fee. There was a cover behind the goal at the entrance end of the ground and raised banking along the far side near the changing rooms.
I met a fellow hopper, a Boston United fan, as we reminisced about the good old days when the Pilgrims and Scarborough were traditional rivals. A smashing fella, we covered most sporting issues and walked back to the station together post-match.
I must have
had a good afternoon as I broke my code and went to the pub to watch Ukraine v England
in the Euros. It proved an inspired decision, meeting my local mates drinking
fine ale, watching a great win and then listening to top tunes. A belting day
all round.
