Sittingbourne face Burgess Hill Town tonight at a sold out Staxson Stadium, Woodstock, just ninety minutes from the Isthmian Premier League and a return to Step Three football for the first time in nearly thirty years with manager Ryan Maxwell urging one last push.

Not since August 1997 have the Brickies played any higher than they currently are and now tonight, Ryan Maxwell has the chance to complete a remarkable turn-around since his arrival at Woodstock in January 2023. 

Speaking to KSN ahead of the Final, Maxwell told us, “You have to remember when you start any journey, and we were third from bottom in this League when ours started when I had that very first conversation with the Club.” 

“Remembering where we have come from in two and a half years puts tonight into perspective for me – saving the Club from sliding out of Step Four and now we are a game away from getting into Step Three and that’s real!” 

“That’s when it hits home… We have had seasons now of progression – last season was good, this one has been phenomenal, so I suppose I have expected and wanted to be here tonight; it’s been brilliant and would mean absolutely everything for me to get this Club promoted for EVERYBODY involved!” 

“We had a very eventful game on Tuesday against Merstham in the Semi – a very eventful match,” Maxwell reflected.

“Our amazing supporters made it a tremendous atmosphere which was absolutely electric and I’m hoping for more of the same Friday, and if I’m honest I think it will be required as well against another very good side.”

“Any team that gets to a Final is a good side – that’s a given – it’s been a long season and one more obstacle to get over and we are quietly confident, but understand that it’s a massive game and what is at stake!” 

“I have been asked what pleased me the most about Tuesday and in truth it was the quality of our play. The first half we were certainly the better side and had the chances, but we came in at 0-0 having not converted them.”

“But what really impressed me was the composure that we showed scoring four in the second half – yes they got two very late goals, the first of which was my “fault” – the quality of football at times was excellent and the fans were absolutely phenomenal… great energy, great noise, amazing atmosphere – that for me was the real take-away from the game; an incredible crowd that we will need again in the Final.” 

Maxwell had “missed” the end of the League season because of a touchline ban and Tuesday was his first game back in the dug-out – he admitted, “I really had missed it! It’s a “drug” is football to me and being on the side-line is an incredible feeling and in the competitive bigger games it’s even more intense and that’s something that I really enjoy. I enjoyed the occasion and loved every bit of Tuesday!” 

“Second and third should be (promoted) but doesn’t often happen in play off Finals in general, but isn’t it strange that it doesn’t happen very often.”

“There always seem to be twists and turns which is why we love the game so much, but Friday is second v third and that surely makes for another tough game and one that we must be very prepared for, and we will be!” 

“We have had a couple of good contests against Burgess Hill this season. I can remember the away game more than the home game on Good Friday as I wasn’t in the dug-out. I remember the style that they adopt which is a contrast to Merstham.”

“The away game was a good performance from us on a Tuesday night – both were good games and that’s why I am expecting another cracker on Friday.” 

“We have had an amazing season and now there is one last game to go – one last hurdle – it’s been a journey so far… now to finish the job!” 

Picture supplied by Ian Scammell.