Let's keep our winning run going, says Lovell - EXCLUSIVE

Steve Lovell has a nice headache for Saturday’s home game with Walton Casuals - only two players are unavailable, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Sittingbourne boss is delighted that his weakened side have picked up maximum points from their opening two Ryman League Division One South games of the season, and are joint-top with Dover Athletic and Kingstonian.

Lovell was without EIGHT players for their trip to Worthing last Saturday, but a goal from returning hero, Bradley Spice secured the points at Woodside Road.

That was followed by a good second half performance in midweek, sparked by the introduction of substitute Lee Browning, when goals from Spice and midfielder, Anthony Hogg, secured the points in a 2-1 win.

“They played very well against Worthing and then first half the other night we didn’t play well,” recalled Lovell, speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“But we addressed a few things and the players responded second half against Leatherhead, played very well and could have won it quite easily in the end.”

Missing Toby Ashmore and Paul Ainsworth (calf) for the Bourne Park clash against Walton Casuals on Saturday, Lovell urges his current squad to continue playing well to keep their shirts.

“It should be a strong squad to pick from Saturday,” he said. “It is good, the players who have gone in, if they play well they’ll stay in the side, so it makes it easier for me.”

Lovell is another Kent manager who believes the Ryman League Division One south is an inconsistent division.

“In our league anybody can beat anybody but you have to perform on the day,” said Lovell.

And looking forward to the game, the Welshman added: “It will be quite a difficult game. If we play like we can do, we have a chance of winning it. If we don’t, then they will win the game.”

Lovell would love to stay in the promotion hunt for the entire season.

“You want to stay there or there abouts all year through, so hopefully we can do that,” he said.

Sittingbourne are looking to attract a crowd of over 250 for Casuals’ visit, after a crowd of just 157 watched their first home league game of the season.

And Lovell insists his side are worth watching, adding: “We will try and put on a show so people can come and support us.”

After this match, Lovell takes his side to Kentish rivals, Ashford Town on Bank Holiday Monday (3pm).

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

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game on Saturday.

Sittingbourne v Walton Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 25^th August 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Bourne Park, Central Park Complex, Eurolink, Church Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3SB