Sittingbourne boss Ryan Maxwell and his side face AFC Croydon Athletic at the Staxson Stadium, Woodstock Park this weekend, with the Brickies looking for the points to stay in touch with their opponents after more Isuzu FA Trophy heroics last weekend. 

Talking to KSN this week ahead of Croydon’s trip to Swale, Maxwell told us, “We have another big game ahead of us Saturday, and we have prepared accordingly as we always do. We are looking forward to the game and hopefully the fans come out in your numbers to back us, and the players. 

“We have a very fit squad to pick from with only perhaps one or two not available. We are in good form after last weekend’s very strong performance and win against Cray Valley in the FA Trophy.” 

That win was the Brickies eighth against sides from higher divisions in the past fifteen months in the competition, and Maxwell admitted, “It was another great day for the club – we have spoiled recently (in that competition).  

“Someone said to me the other day that this club are now “expected” to beat these higher teams in the Trophy and added that if some other clubs at our level did what we have done, they would be jumping up and down celebrating much more than we do!  

“But that’s because of what we achieved last year (in reaching the Quarter Finals) and I understand that some have short memories but ultimately last weekend, we beat a good Cray Valley side, with a very strong performance that had a bit of everything in it and every single player played well in the game. All I can say to them, is give me more of the same and I will be very happy!” 

“And I think that the draw we have in the next round is an absolute cracker!” was the manager’s reaction to his side being drawn away to 2008 winners Ebbsfleet United in Round Two in three weeks’ time. 

“I was quoted as saying that I would love a Kent derby and we got one! I am personally pleased for the club, and it should be a great day, it should be a well-attended game – it’s a game that the players will look forward to on a great surface and a big pitch.  

“I hope that will suit us, but make no mistake we face a very difficult task against a full-time side who play two levels above and we know it will be a really, really hard game and we will have to be at out absolute best and get everything right on the day!  

“But I do have to drive home the point that we have to enjoy it; we must enjoy these games; they are there to be enjoyed! Yes, they are they to compete and plan to win of course, but they have got to be enjoyed, and I stress that to you all… make sure that you come to the game and back us!  

“We have been spoilt a lot of clubs don’t get games like these, and many good-sized clubs are already out of the competition already, but we are still in it! Come to the game, enjoy it, support the boys and let’s give it everything we’ve got!” 

“Saturday though is a massive game for us and is also the last of our home games for a little while, and we will be doing all that we can to sign off with the three points.”