We know we can get better, says Sittingbourne boss Aslan Odev

SITTINGBOURNE manager Aslan Odev says his side can get better after coming away from Ashford United with a point last night.

The Brickies remain in fourth-place in the Bostik South East Division table with 13 points on the board from their opening seven games after extending their unbeaten run to four games following their 1-1 draw against Gary Alexander’s side.

Odev’s side took a 24^th minute lead through a stunning top-left-hand corner strike from midfielder Tommie Fagg, but having come away from Guernsey with a 2-1 win on Sunday, tiredness crept in as soon as Ashford levelled on the hour through Ambrose Gnahore’s 30-yard strike, which flashed underneath goalkeeper Patrick Lee.

Sittingbourne host Ramsgate at Woodstock Park on Saturday.  Lloyd Blackman’s side are in 12^th place in the table, having won two of their six league games but will be travelling to Vanarama National League South side Hemel Hemsptead Town on Saturday 6 October in The FA Cup Third Qualifying Round after coming away from Gosport Borough with a 3-2 win at the weekend.

But the Rams suffered a 5-4 home defeat to Herne Bay in the League last night, which brought them back down to earth following their exploits in Hampshire.

“I think it’s winnable,” said Odev.

“They’re doing very well in The FA Cup, beating Gosport, the team that we lost to and they’re a very young team and are going to have loads and loads of energy.

“Lloyd’s doing some good stuff over there so we’ve got to be on our game, the same as every game in this league.

“We’ve got to make sure we give energy and have that desire to win the game, which we will have, the boys are brilliant.  We just have to make sure the boys are rested and fully focused for Saturday.”

The Sittingbourne manager promises more from his side as they are within the likes of Cray Wanderers, Hastings United, Hythe Town and Whyteleafe in the pecking order.

“We’re very happy, it’s one of those where we know we can get better,” vowed Odev.

“There’s certain things we can tweak and improve upon which is good to know. It’s exciting, the basis is there and the foundation is there and the spirit and the character we’ve got in the dressing room is fantastic.

“We’re taking it as game at a time and make sure we’re doing the right things because if we do that then we’ve got half-a-chance but as soon as the boys cross that white line they can achieve anything.

“All we have got to do is set them up right and get them in to a position to succeed. When we get to the end of the season we’ll see where we are but we won’t be happy if we don’t do ourselves justice.”

Thirteen of the 20 sides in the Bostik South East Division are from Kent and Odev is delighted to be saving on petrol costs.

“I think it’s good, everybody knows everybody so it does come down to how you prepare and what your teams style is and the spirt in the camp.

“It’s always good, it’s definitely saving on the petrol, which is nice. It’s all good stuff.  The league is very competitive, you can beat anybody I feel so you’ve got to make sure you’re on top of your game every time.”

Odev, meanwhile, praised the travelling fans, who won the song contest at Ashford last night.

“Sittingbourne fans are absolutely brilliant, they’re fantastic,” he said.

“I know a lot of them we’re disappointed that they couldn’t make the Guernsey trip after such short notice, not knowing whether the FA Cup game was going ahead or not so they came out in good numbers and sung their hearts out, which is absolutely fantastic. 

“It gives the boys a buzz and everything the boys do it’s for them and the Guernsey result was a big thank you to them and it gave them something to shout about and make them happy.”

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

Sittingbourne  v  Ramsgate
Bostik South East Division
Saturday 29 September 2018
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Woodstock Park, Broadoak Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 8AG