When Sittingbourne welcome former boss Nick Davis and his Hythe Town side to the Staxson Stadium, Woodstock on Saturday, it will be the first time the Brickies have played a home League game on a Saturday since the opening day of the Isthmian League season.
Because of their runs in both the FA Cup and the FA Trophy (where Sittingbourne travel to Dover Athletic next weekend), the last time the Woodstock faithful witnessed League football was on August 10th when Broadbridge Heath were beaten 5-0.
However, Saturday will see the start of four consecutive home League games only punctuated by the Trophy trip to Crabble as the Brickies look to consolidate their place in the upper reaches of the South East table.
Reflecting on Wednesday’s draw at Sevenoaks, boss Ryan Maxwell told us, “It was a frustrating night at Sevenoaks as I thought we played well which is why it was frustrating that we did not come away with the three points.
“We made one error, a little lack of concentration right before half-time a key moment, a key time, instead of saying well done boys at the break, we went looking for another goal, which led to us having to start again. But in terms of the game and the way it transpired, I was pleased with the way that we played especially as we had issues getting to the ground and two pulled out ill before the game.
“I cannot fault the boys second half at all, we just did not get the break to force the winner, but in terms of effort it was exceptionally good on a very wet night.
After being extremely critical of his players after Saturday’s game at Beckenham, Maxwell went on, “I got the response I was looking for on Wednesday, you do not always get the points, it is the performance and consistent performances you will not go far wrong with.
“It does not always go for you in the final third, however I did want a response to my criticism on Saturday, and I got one the boys were great, and I cannot fault them on Wednesday. I will tell them when they are wrong, I tell them straight and I will do exactly the same when they have done well. Wednesday was more of a Sittingbourne performance; I am just disappointed that we did not get the result.”
“We have been unbeaten in our last four away League games, but I have extremely high standards, I am here to win every game it is as simple as that!
“I know we have picked up eight points from twelve, but I am disappointed. But they have been tough games, three in midweek at Burgess Hill, Deal and then Sevenoaks, and they are not round the corner are they, they were tough fixtures so I guess that I am more frustrated than disappointed at the return as we had deserved more over the course of the games but now, we are all looking forward to this run of home games certainly.”
“Every game is tough as I firmly believe that this League is the hardest Step Four league probably in the country, there are so many good players and so many good teams and clubs, it is very, very competitive I believe more so than last year and there is no easy game and we have approached today no differently to any other game we have played this season.”
And on the subject of his counterparts, return to the club he has served so well in the past, Maxwell said, “I welcome Nick back to Woodstock at the weekend, I do not know him, but he will get a handshake and a warm welcome from me and the fans I am sure.”