Kentish Football 
We now need to stop the rot, says Whitstable Town boss Justin Luchford
Wednesday 18th January 2012
WHITSTABLE TOWN manager Justin Luchford says his side need to stop the rot.The Oystermen are in the bottom four in the Ryman League Division One South table, having clinched six wins and two draws from their 26 games and languish just five points clear of second-from-bottom side Whyteleafe.
Whitstable have lost their last four league games to Maidstone United (0-4), Folkestone Invicta (0-1), Walton & Hersham (0-5) and were defeated 4-2 at home to Kent rivals Hythe Town in their last game.
Sittingbourne are disappointed that two potential transfer targets, central defender, Laurence Harvey, 20, and striker James Pinnock have opted a move to Belmont Road, as suppose to Bourne Park, following their departures from Ashford United and Maidstone United.
Sittingbourne spokesperson, Tania Spice, posted the following message on the club’s official website www.sittingbournefc.co.uk, saying, “It had been thought that it was a ‘done deal’ with both of them expected to start with us with effect from last weekend – unfortunately better offers were put to both.”
Luchford told www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk: “Another defeat and its now starting to hurt us, so we now need to stop the rot.”
Reflecting on their defeat to Scott Porter’s Hythe Town last weekend, Luchford said: “I was disappointed in the defending on Saturday, as all four goals were avoidable. I felt for Kingy (Dave King) in goal as he couldn’t do anything with any of them.
“We discussed things after the game and talked through the errors. We will do that again on Thursday night and look to not make the same mistakes again.
“It was a tough game and we had a very young side out. If we can take the positives, we scored two again. It doesn’t matter what circumstances, it was important to score.
“We have to get things right at the other end and that will be our main focus over the next few weeks.”
Extra spice has been added ahead of Saturday’s trip to Sittingbourne following Harvey and Pinnock’s decision to opt for a move to Belmont Road.
Luchford added: “Saturday is one we have ear-marked as we are expecting players to return. Pressure is starting to build now and Richard (Langley, my assistant manager), I and the players welcome it.
“We want to be up against it at the moment and build that desire and passion within the squad to be ready for Saturday.
“Every player that has come in over the past few weeks has given their all and we all appreciate that.
“With no disrespect to those players, we haven’t had seasoned Ryman players on the pitch since Ramsgate. If we get some back this week, then we need to give the club and everyone associated with it a massive boost.
“We have to go looking for three points at Sittingbourne. They are a decent side and Joe (Dowley) is doing a good job down there. He’s a young manager and I for one wish him all the success as I know how hard it is. However, I don’t on Saturday.
“We will be going there with a desire to win. Richard and I are starting to see a little light at the end of the tunnel after a tough period without a lot of players and chopping and changing every week.
“We are hopeful that Saturday will see us a lot stronger, and with the players we have recently signed and those coming back, we will start to pick up much needed points, and also give our fantastic fans something to shout about at last.”
Article courtesy of www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk
Sittingbourne v Whitstable Town
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 21st January 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Bourne Park, Central Park Stadium, Eurolink Industrial Estate, Church Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3SB
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd