Soccer Shorts: I want to win Ryman League Cup, says Burman

SITTINGBOURNE supporters’ and officials’ paid tribute to Kieran Marsh, having played his last game for the Bourne Park club, writes Stephen McCartney.

The midfielder and his other half Sarah have decided that the time has come for them to go on their travels.

Marsh’s first game for the club was on 17^th November 2001 at Dartford, a game that Sittingbourne won by three goals to nil.

Marsh has made a total of 252 appearances for Sittingbourne (15 as a substitute) over a seven-year period.

During that time he has had a spell as captain and has always been inspirational in his play, scoring along the way some of the most spectacular goals.

“I would just like to thank everyone for their kind words and the lovely presents I received after the game on Saturday,” said Marsh, writing on the fans’ forum at www.sittingbournefc.co.uk.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed playing for Sittingbourne and I wish the club every success in the future.”

The club are presently at the top of the Ryman League Division One South form charts with four wins and two draws from their last six games.

And Marsh said: “Get behind the boys and manager (Gary Abbott) and I’m sure you’ll see a great run until the end of the season and hopefully promotion.”

Secretary John Pitts, meanwhile, paid tribute to the departing player.

He said: “In my time with Sittingbourne which covers quite a few years now, Kieran has been one of the most consistent players we have had.

“A thoroughly nice young man, it has been a pleasure to have him in the team.

“It’s quite poignant at the present time to thank him for his loyalty to the club.  He certainly could have moved on but stuck with us through thick and thin.“I hope Kieran and Sarah have a great time on their travels. Thanks for everything - you will be missed.”

TONY BURMAN takes his Dartford side to Ryman Premier League side Heybridge Swifts in the fourth round of the Ryman League Cup in fine form.

The Darts romped to the top of the Division One North table following a 5-0 victory over struggling Ilford at Princes Park.

“All in all I think it was a very good day on Saturday,” Burman told www.dartfordfc.co.uk.

“We started the day in third position and finished it moving up to top spot simply by getting the job done and that was to get three points.

“Scoring another five goals was again a bonus but not unexpected with the chances we create and to keep another clean sheet is another step in the right direction if we want to achieve our targets this season.”

Looking ahead to their cup match at Scraley Road, Burman said: “Heybridge play in a division above us so we are in for a very tough game.

“I have a squad of eighteen fit players at the moment and I need to give some players a place in the starting line-up to get some much needed match practice under their belts.

“But pleased be assured we will be doing our best to get through to the next round of a competition that we would like to win.”

And Burman, whose side travel to Great Wakering Rovers on Saturday, added: “For a change we are the underdogs in this game and the pressure is on our opponents.”

At the time of writing, 9pm on Monday evening, Sittingbourne’s home game against Horsham YMCA (12pm), Dover Athletic’s trip to Molesey (2pm) and Cray Wanderers’ game at Whyteleafe (5pm) are all subject to pitch inspections tomorrow.

MEANWHILE, MAIDSTONE United will be allowed to gain promotion into the Blue Square South if they clinch promotion.

The Stones, who moved into tenth place in the Ryman Premier League table - just six points adrift of the final play-off berth, currently occupied by Ramsgate, won 2-1 at Boreham Wood at the weekend.

As fans’ discuss their side’s aspirations this season - the Stones are also seven points clear of the bottom three - secretary Mr Darren Lovell explained what needs to happen at Sittingbourne’s Bourne Park to enable promotion.

He said: “The addition of a turnstile and a WC will see us reach the grading for our current level.

“We would be able to take promotion with that but would be required to upgrade to Conference South standards within a year.”

Visit club websites:

www.sittingbournefc.co.uk

www.dartfordfc.co.uk & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk

www.maidstoneunited.co.uk & www.smtwtgh.co.uk

www.doverathletic.com & www.dovorian.co.uk

www.craywands.co.uk