Fans have been hit hard in the pocket, says Sittingbourne's secretary

Gary Abbott’s side face a gruelling schedule this week and now have slim hopes of reaching the Ryman League Division One South play-off’s as a result.

The football authorities must look at the way they schedule matches next season as it’s physically demanding for semi-pro footballers to play five games in a week – and hold down regular jobs – without the risk of picking up injuries.

Sittingbourne booked their place in the Kent Senior Cup Final last night, beating Cray Wanderers
4-3 on penalties after the Hayes Lane clash finished 1-1 after extra time.

It’s the second time that the Brickies have needed penalties to progress in the competition, as they beat another Ryman Premier League side in Tonbridge Angels in the previous round.

They will face either Folkestone Invicta or Welling United in the final, as those two sides battle it out at Cheriton Road next Thursday – two days before the end of the season.

The final is expected to be at one of the finalists’ home ground – on a date to be confirmed by the Kent County Football Association.

The 2008 final between Ebbsfleet United and Cray Wanderers was held over to the following close season, due to the Fleet’s FA Carlsberg Trophy glory at Wembley Stadium and the Wands busy end to their campaign.

But Sittingbourne secretary, Mr John Pitts, demands that the KCFA make it a final to remember, by playing it at Dartford’s Princes Park Stadium.

“Unfortunately the venue will be the home ground of one of the finalists (decided by the drawing of lots),” he told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“This is a disappointment to us as we would have liked it played at a neutral ground, such as Dartford’s.

“There would be a good crowd there as we have a few Dartford academy players playing for us.”

Sittingbourne lock horns with Chipstead tonight; before welcoming Godalming to Bourne Park on Thursday night and then they travel to relegation threatened Walton Casuals on Saturday.

Next week, Sittingbourne play three games; the return match at Godalming next Tuesday; away to Burgess Hill Town on Thursday; before completing their campaign at home to Merstham on 24 April.

Mr Pitts explained that this run of games will be financially tough on their supporters – hence their kind gesture for Thursday’s game.

“Thursday’s match is a free entry game because we feel that it is a bit much for our supporters to pay out an entry fee three games running,” he said.

“Many of our supporters paid out £10 at Cray yesterday and they will have to pay tonight for the home match with Chipstead.

“It also gives a chance for those who might like to see the football that Sittingbourne have to offer but would not normally come.

“Supporters of other clubs are also of course welcome to take advantage of this offer.

“Those who would like to donate towards the night’s expenses will be able to by depositing what ever they think in collection buckets.”

Ryman League clubs splash out around £150 per game on match officials’ expenses.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering the game against Chipstead tonight, with Mike Green reporting.

Visit Sittingbourne’s website: www.sittingbournefc.co.uk

Sittingbourne  v  Chipstead
Ryman League Division One South
Wednesday 14^th April 2010
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Bourne Park, Central Park Stadium, Eurolink Industrial Estate, Church Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3SB