Men's football news
It’s back to Bostik League action on Saturday as Sittingbourne are the visitors. Both of us come into the game with 100% league records, with the Brickies having recorded wins against Chipstead and Herne Bay although they crashed out of the Emirates FA Cup at home to Pagham.
Darren’s thoughts
This is one of two tough games we’ve got over this Bank Holiday weekend, coming on the back of two tough fixtures against Newhaven in the FA Cup. I was impressed with how well Newhaven applied themselves over the two games, and they certainly startled us with that comeback last Saturday.
Our main ambition is to be up there in the league this season, especially with an extra promotion spot up for grabs, but we still want to do well in the cups. We face another tricky tie against Thamesmead in the next round of the FA Cup now, and I’m sure you’ll be joining us in numbers when we pay a visit to Dartford in early September.
Playing twice in three days will stretch us, so it’s good to have a big squad at my disposal. I’d like to formally welcome two new members. Shomari Barnwell has joined us on loan from Solihull Moors and Will Robinson has also come across from Bognor Regis Town. Both will give us competition for places, which is critical.
Unfortunately, our appeal against James Hammond’s red card against Guernsey wasn’t upheld, meaning he will miss today’s game, Monday’s derby and next Saturday’s cup tie at Thamesmead Town. The good news is that Lloyd Cotton is back, and bang in form as we saw on Wednesday night at Newhaven. We will hopefully have Jonte back in the squad after he limped off with a foot injury against Herne Bay.
How was last season for The Brickies?
It was another disappointing season for The Brickies as at one stage they had the momentum that appeared to be taking them up to the Play-off places. They have brought back in striker Miles Cornwell from Folkestone Invicta plus keeper Daren Hawkes from Canterbury City.
Isthmian League South Division – 15th – P 46 W 17 D 11 L 18 GS 71 GA 86 GD -15 PTS 62
•FA Cup – Preliminary Round – Lost away to Hythe Town 5-0
•FA Trophy – Preliminary Round – Lost at home to Bury Town 2-0
•Kent Senior Cup – First Round – Lost at home to Ramsgate 2-1
•Isthmian League Cup – Second Round – Lost away to Tonbridge Angels 2-0
When did we last meet Sittingbourne?
The away win at Sittingbourne in late September was probably the catalyst for the whole season for the Rooks. Arriving in Kent on the back of four league defeats and a painful exit to Sevenoaks Town in the FA Cup, The Rooks went 1-0 down early in the second half but some inspired substitutions saw the game turned around in just a fifteen-minute period thanks to goals from Charlie Coppola and two strikes from Jamie Brotherton, one from the penalty spot and the other a superb lobbed effort from thirty yards out.
Three months later back at the Pan the Rooks once again had to dig themselves out of a hole, having found themselves 2-0 down with ten minutes to play thanks to goals from Jack Dixon from the penalty spot and Jonte Smith.
Kick off at The Pan on Saturday is 3pm, admission is £11 for Adults, £6 for Concessions and Kids under16 Go Free.