Sittingbourne will be gunning for their fifth win in a row when Hassocks visit the Staxson Stadium, Woodstock tonight, and new boss Reece Prestedge knows just how important it is for his side at the start of the run-in to the Festive period. 

Speaking to KSN ahead of tonight’s game, the new Brickies boss told us, “Tonight is massive for us as it is our game in hand on those above and another three points will put us back in the play-off places.” 

The Brickies made it four wins out of four since Prestedge returned to Woodstock with a 2-0 win over Deal Town at the weekend, but the new Brickies boss conceded that his side didn’t have it all their own way – he told us, “Saturday’s win over Deal was a tough game but I thought as a whole of the four games we have now had, it was our best performance.

“They changed what they were doing at the start of the second half, and it took us time to adjust but once we did, I thought that we were dominant.” 

Sittingbourne could only name three fit substitutes on the bench at the weekend following some recent departures – Prestedge admitted, “We are down to bare bones at the moment which is why we had only three (subs).

“We are trying to get a few more through the door and we have had some positive conversations that hopefully may see fresh blood for Tuesday or perhaps at Herne Bay on Saturday.

“We had injuries too Saturday which will have again hopefully cleared up in time for the Hassocks game and if that does happen, I will have a selection headache!” 

“I knew a little bit about Deal at the weekend as we played them on opening day and in the Kent Cup, so we had some information about them, but Hassocks’ is something very new. I have had some info on them about how they play and so we will give them all the respect they deserve.” 

“Hassocks got promoted to the League for a reason – they won their League last season and have to be respected. Sometimes momentum in football is the key thing as winning a league one season can propel you though the following year too! Look at Cray Valley, they won our League two years ago and made the Premier Division play-offs last year – momentum is massive in football, and you have to respect them for it.” 

“For us though Tuesday has to be all about keeping the momentum and keeping the belief!” 

“The fans backing since my return has been superb – but I knew they wouldn’t let me down! I knew that the fans would be behind us, the club would be behind us, and it is massive. You do get that get belief, if you’re under the cosh sometimes with the vocals from the fans cheering and singing.

“The boys respect it and its great seeing them celebrating with the fans when we score goals, and long may that continue!” 

Image courtesy of Paul Golding