Key Highlights
- Sittingbourne’s title hopes in Isthmian South East are virtually over.
- Manager Reece Prestedge admits the team has had two consecutive draws after a 3-0 lead against Faversham Town.
- The Brickies have been unbeaten since Ryan Maxwell left for Welling United, but now face tough competition from AFC Croydon Athletic and Faversham.
- Weather conditions impacted Sittingbourne’s recent games, causing them to miss several matches.
Sittingbourne’s Title Hopes Take a Hit
Sittingbourne manager Reece Prestedge is blunt: the Brickies’ title aspirations in the Isthmian South East are over. After losing 3-3 at Faversham Town, they find themselves 17 points behind leaders Three Bridges with two matches in hand.
Drawn and Counting
“It’s great being unbeaten,” Prestedge says, “but we’ve had two draws in a row. If you’re fighting for that top spot, which is probably gone now, you have to win those games.” The team was 3-0 up at Faversham but couldn’t hold on, conceding three times in the final ten minutes.
Weather Woes and Match Fitness
The Brickies are also dealing with a weather-induced schedule disruption. They hadn’t played since January 17 due to adverse conditions, which has affected their momentum. “This is probably why teams go to 3G surfaces so they don’t have many games called off,” said Prestedge. “We’ve had three or four in a row now, and it kills the momentum with the run we’ve been on.”
Manager’s Reflections
Prestedge believes a lack of match fitness could have played a role in their late capitulation against Faversham Town. “I don’t want to use that as an excuse but it’s tough,” he admitted, “especially after going four weeks without competitive games.” Despite the setback, Prestedge remains optimistic: “We will just take each game as it comes.” The Brickies face Sevenoaks this weekend and Crowborough on Tuesday.
Notable Performances
In a recent 7-1 victory over Broadbridge Heath, Derek Asamoah scored twice. Other contributors included Jack Steventon, Joe Boachie, Ben Swift, Henry Sinai, and Jean-Baptiste Fischer. Despite the win, Prestedge emphasized the importance of match fitness: “Players have got to chip in. It’s not just your striker that has to score goals; other players have got to contribute.”
Remembering Tiffany Marjeram
A minute’s applause was held before the Faversham derby to honor Tiffany Marjeram, wife of Brickies vice-chairman Andrew Marjeram, who passed away after a battle with cancer.
The story of Sittingbourne’s title race and the challenges they face is a stark reminder of how close-knit communities are in local football. For now, the Brickies will focus on what’s within their control, while fans hope for better days ahead.
