We do need to pick up our form, admits Sittingbourne boss Nick Davis

Friday 05th December 2014

SITTINGBOURNE manager Nick Davis says his side must start to improve their home form by going on an unbeaten run.

The Brickies face a Kent derby in the shape of Hythe Town tomorrow, sitting in ninth-place in the Ryman League Division One South table with 32 points from 23 games.

They are five points adrift of fifth-placed Whyteleafe and have won three, drawn four and lost four league games at Woodstock.

Tim Dixon brings his Hythe Town side sitting in seventeen-place in the table with 25 points from 23 games.

“We’ve got a tough game at home to Hythe,” said Davis.

“Like all the Kent sides there are not many surprises as we all tend to know everything about one another.

“Tim has really turned their fortunes around in recent weeks and we expect a really tough game.

“I personally haven’t seen them this season but someone I know well has been twice looking at one of their players so I have a good idea of how they will set up.

“I’m not so worried about other sides. I am more concerned about what we do.”

Sittingbourne suffered a 2-0 defeat at Carshalton Athletic, when former Chatham Town striker Austin Gacheru scored the second goal last Saturday.

“I can honestly say we are not far away but the second half at Carshalton was not acceptable,” admitted Davis.

“The preparation was poor as we had a few pull out at late notice and with my coach taken ill, it was all hands to the pump.

“My kit man who has been brilliant had to run the dugout on his own as I was playing.

“A small squad like ours can’t be missing five regular players and expect to get away with it, but to be fair it was an even first half and then, as I said, we lost our way second half.”

Sittingbourne welcome second-placed Merstham next Tuesday, a side that are two points behind league leaders Faversham Town.

Davis added: “We do need to pick up our form and what better way to do it with two home games – a Kent derby and the inform team of the league in Merstham.

“The basis of our success of the past two seasons at Sittingbourne was down to having a fantastic home record, something that has not been replicated this season.

“If we can turn that round then it’s up to us where we finish in the league this season.

Davis is delighted to have brought in midfielder Peter Smith, 29, from Ryman League Division One North side Thamesmead Town.

“Something we have desperately lacked is that experienced head in the team and I was delighted to have signed Peter,” said Davis.

“He’s the oldest and most experienced player we have now by some way and that will be invaluable to our younger lads.

“Tony Russell (VCD Athletic manager) can’t speak highly enough of Smudger and said he was one of the best players in his title winning VCD side who won the Ryman League Division One North title last year.

“I also played with him with my stint at Erith Town a few years back and not only is he a good player, he is a good man and with his versatility, he’s a brilliant acquisition.

“With him and big Harry Smith (up front) we are stronger as a squad already and with Gary Webb impressing in his 20 minutes in a friendly on Tuesday after five weeks out injured, we will only get stronger.”

Davis has set his side a challenge going into the festive period.

“After these two tough games we have Horsham, Guernsey and Faversham, three of which are at home. The aim is simple, can we go on a run and stay unbeaten?”

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Sittingbourne v Hythe Town
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 6^th December 2014
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Woodstock Park, Broadoak Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 8AG