22ndsept05

Thursday 22nd September 2005

Mayor's accept Brickies invitations to attend Kent derby

Sittingbourne entertain local rivals Dartford on Saturday, writes Peter Pitts - www.sittingbournefc.co.uk

Last season the Darts were victorious at Bourne Park by two goals to one. Dartford's goals came from Paul Sykes, who very sadly passed away earlier this year and Eddie McClements, who is likely to feature in this match.

Sittingbourne's goal came from David Cory who has moved on to Ryman League newcomers Ramsgate.

The fixture later on last season at Stonebridge Road was a completely different matter as the Brickies came away victors by 3 goals to nil. Goal scorers that day were Lee Browning, Kieran Marsh and Bradley Spice, all of whom should feature on Saturday although Marsh has a slight injury and must pass a fitness test before the game.

Sittingbourne have two other injury worries in Jon Neal and Toby Ashmore and both are unlikely to have recovered in time.

Dartford, however, are just two points above the Brickies in the Southern League Division One East table so a win for Steve Lovell's side will see them leap-frog the Darts.

Dartford have an ex Brickie in their side in the shape of ex Gillingham youth player Steve Hafner and although he wasn't with Sittingbourne for long he showed that he is a speedy player who can be dangerous with his crosses and has recently re-signed for the Darts from Maldon Town.

Both sides have made a reasonable start to the season with Sittingbourne now having gone four league games without defeat.

But both have just been knocked out of the Errea Southern League cup in midweek, Dartford having lost narrowly to an 87th minute Chatham Town goal and Barking & East Ham United ended Sittingbourne's hopes.

So the stage is set for a close and exciting game, which should be well worth watching, certainly the Mayor's of Swale and Dartford think so and the home club are delighted to say that they have accepted their invitation to attend the match.

Sittingbourne v Dartford
Southern League Division One East
Saturday 24th September 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Bourne Park, Central Park Stadium, Eurolink, Church Road, Sittingbourne