Sittingbourne 3-1 Walton Casuals - We have one hell of a chance of making the play-off's - Abbott

After a forgettable first half, Akhazzan broke the deadlock just past the hour mark, coolly beating Craig Bradshaw from the edge of the box after a neat flick from Ellie Kayembe.

Milton’s introduction, just after half-time, inspired the Brickies to success, and it was fitting that it was he who curled a second from a free-kick on 83 minutes - spotting that the goalkeeper had left a huge gap on the wall’s blind side, which he duly found.

Alarm bells, however, rang for the home fans just 90 seconds later after Dwain Williams had thundered home a magnificent 35-yard free-kick into the top corner of Matt Reed’s net.

The Sittingbourne goalkeeper then denied Danny Platel with his legs after the Walton striker fired in a low shot along the goal-line.

However, victory was secured in stoppage time when Akhazzan took advantage of a defensive mix-up between the goalkeeper and Joe Hammond - the young striker coolly lobbed home from 25-yards as the defenders looked on in horror.

Sittingbourne assistant manager, Richard Brady, who missed the game because of a slight hamstring strain, was a relieved man afterwards.

“It was good to win tonight as our home form is poor; we’ve done it the hard way!” he told BBC Radio Kent afterwards.

“It’s about time that we did something for our home fans.”

When asked about the goals of Akhazzan, which sealed the Brickies victory, Brady added: “I’m pleased for him, he’s done well since we’ve been at the club. He was one of the top scorers last year but tonight wasn’t one of his better games. Yet he still scored twice,” shrugged the assistant boss.

Sittingbourne boss Gary Abbott agreed with his number two, adding: “After losing Brads (Brady) beforehand with a hammy and Tom Bradbrook (foot) in the warm-up, I was pleased for Akhazzan and Ellie Kayembe.

“Tom did the right thing by telling me he was hurt before hand and Ellie did me proud as he hasn’t played for a few weeks.”

Abbott went on: “We wanted to change formation tonight, but were told they play a 4-3-3 so we couldn’t and it was good for us to have (Ian) Varley and (Ben) Payne together and Rio (Alderton) was outstanding.”

The manager did concede though that the introduction of Milton turned the game his side’s way.

“Milts and Billy (Manners) were terrific when they came on and gave us the impetus we needed.”

The win lifts Abbott’s side four places up the table tonight up to seventh and the side’s around them only Ian Jenkins’ Cray Wanderers are in action this midweek.

Abbott continued, “It would have been good to play Saturday (the scheduled game at Hayes Lane has been called off because of Cray’s involvement in the FA Trophy), but we’ve got a big game now next Monday here against Worthing so it will be good to have the boys fresh.

“If we can stay in and around the play-off places and still be there after Christmas you’ll have to admit that we have one hell off a chance.”

Sittingbourne: Matt Reed, Bryan Andrews, Joe Dowley (Billy Manners 70), Ian Varley, Ben Payne, Rio Alderton, Colin Richmond, Nick Reeves, Ellie Kayembe (Joe Horlock 90), Hicham Akhazzan, Mark Green (Dave Milton 56).
Sub: Joe Plant.

Goals: Hicham Akhazzan 61, 90, Dave Milton 83

Walton Casuals: Craig Bradshaw, Chris Robinson (Mark King 84) Michael Cayford, Craig Lewington, Jordan McCartney, Joe Hammond, Liam Grier, James Carr, Chris Kiganda (Mat Weston 63), Danny Platel, Dwain Williams.
Sub: Chris Chevalier.

Goal: Dwain Williams 85

Booked: Craig Lewington 80

Attendance: 113
Referee: Mr Tony Mason (Sidcup)
Assistants: Mr Tim Burman (Welling) & Mr Neil Baker (Welling)