We would rather be fighting in amongst those play-offs and if anyone thinks we don't have a lot to play for then they'll be very much mistaken, says Sittingbourne boss Darren Blackburn

SITTINGBOURNE manager Darren Blackburn says his young side have caused the top two teams in the division all sorts of problems.

The Brickies are slap bang in the middle in the Isthmian League South East Division table, having collected 12 wins, four draws and 12 defeats from their 28 games, with 10 games remaining.

Sittingbourne went down to a 2-1 defeat away to second-placed Cray Valley (Paper Mills) last weekend.

“There’s no doubt that against a very good Cray Valley side, we saw a very disappointing first-half display,” said Blackburn.

“We gave them far too much respect and too much time and space.  To be fair, conditions were awful and we didn’t appreciate just how strong the wind and rain was against us in that first half, whilst the second goal was the killer, we would have taken 1-0 at half-time all day long and get in for a re-group.

“Instead, conceding in the 43rd minute, there were obviously a few strong words and home truths told, and what a great reaction from the lads in the second 45.  We really were unlucky not to get an equaliser in the end, I was extremely proud of their reaction and the way they went at them second half.”

Seven days earlier, Sittingbourne went down to a 2-1 home defeat to league leaders Hastings United, who have announced the arrival of former Welling United striker Danny Parrish today.

Blackburn said: “We caused Hastings all sorts of problems the previous week and were the best team over 90 minutes many said and at least value for a draw, but full credit to Hastings they dug in with 10 men for half an hour or so and got a last second winner when we'd been pushing for it ourselves.

“Fair play to Gary Elphick and his team, good teams find a way to win even when everything seems against them, shows a winning mentality that you can't coach it comes from experience and my lads are learning quickly I hope.

“Against two teams whose budget is over double what ours is each week we’ve more than held our own in those last two matches, so there is a lot to be pleased about and to build on.

“I know what some of the Hastings and Cray Valley lads are on money wise, so to be honest we’ve acquitted ourselves very well and just need to start taking our chances… but that's just the story of our season! 

“Overall, from the last two weekends, we’ve caused the top two teams in this league all sorts of problems with a mainly very young and inexperienced side who will only get better from games like that.

“Thanks again to our fans for their fantastic support. I know that it would have been even bigger attendance at Cray Valley had Storm Eunice not affected the trains, but even then, I couldn’t hear myself think for most of the game such was their amazing noise and support!”

Sittingbourne welcome fifth-placed side Haywards Heath Town to Woodstock Park tomorrow and Blackburn is keen to finish the season on a high note and start to claw their way into the higher reaches of the table. 

“Overall so far it's been a solid enough season, lots to build on in the summer if we carry on these levels in the last 10 games,” said Blackburn, whose side are nine points adrift of the play-offs.

“I'm hoping to complete a solid season when we were favourites to go down is enough for the fans and board to be pleased with and we can look to progress another stage next season if our ambitions align and funds are available to bring in a few more lads in the summer to boost us to the next stage in the clubs development.

“We would rather be fighting in amongst those play-offs right now but I've told them we have 10 cup finals left as far as I'm concerned and if anyone thinks we don't have a lot to play for then they'll be very much mistaken, I want to win every football game we play!”

Sittingbourne  v  Haywards Heath Town
Isthmian League South East Division
Saturday 26 February 2022
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Woodstock Park, Broadoak Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 8AG