Sittingbourne travel this weekend to play-off chasing Merstham knowing that just ten days ago, the Surrey side became just the second side this season to inflict a League defeat on leaders Ramsgate. 

After losing their long unbeaten League run themselves last Saturday to Three Bridges, the Brickies returned to winning ways in midweek – beating relegation threatened Littlehampton Town 3-1 at Woodstock. 

“The points were the important thing about Tuesday,” boss Ryan Maxwell admitted to KSN this week.  

“The performance was going to be secondary though saying that I was pleased with it all round. They were fighting for their lives, and they did so fight, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they did get out of their relegation woes because of the fight that we showed.  

“That said, we were pretty comfortable for the most part and it was only because of a goal that shouldn’t have been a goal as there was a foul, but the referee’s given it!  

“We had to show resolve and bounce back within the game, and we did, created many opportunities and we got one goal but could have got a lot more but 3-1 was enough and it was good all-round performance and reaction from Saturday.” 

“It was magnificent that we scored our one hundredth League goal of the season on Tuesday – I don’t know how many we scored last year, but we are way ahead this year, so I’m delighted and shows the entertainment that we have given always, and to score a hundred goals is another milestone and it was great that Ade (Azeez) got it on the same day that we clinched his signing on loan for the rest of the season.  

“He could have gone to numerous Clubs – he’s done a month with us already, but he made it clear that he wanted to stay and thankfully Billericay were very accommodating and were also pleased and willing for him to stay as well. He’s a Brickie now till the end of the season as we are delighted to have him on board!” 

Meanwhile, Maxwell couldn’t hide his delight that Tuesday also saw a return to action for Jean-Baptiste Fischer for the first time in nearly eighteen months after the midfielder suffered a horrible injury against Chichester last season. “That was the best part of Tuesday for me, “Maxwell admitted. 

“To see him make his “second debut” if you like and to see him come through it was great – he came through with flying colours and played really well when he came on. I can’t tell you how pleased I was for him – fantastic player and a great time to get him back as anything near match fit, we have got a great player to call upon with a brilliant attitude.” 

One departure from Woodstock this week has been Jay Beckford. “Jay was frustrated that he wasn’t playing and certainly not starting as many games as he would have wanted. Ultimately, we have some of the best wingers in the League at our Club and it means that someone has had to miss out at times and unfortunately, Jay has found himself missing out more than most.  

“He’s a good technician yes, but certain pitches don’t suit him and it needs to be a game where he can manipulate it and as we get to the end of the season, the pitches aren’t really conducive to that and I understand that he’s also signed up to play in the Ballers League as well. His focus is elsewhere which is totally fine but at this Football Club it’s got to be all focused and everything has to be all about Sittingbourne.” 

“Saturday is going to be a massive test for us as Merstham are in good form. This is a tough, tough fixture as they are fighting to stay in the play-offs whilst we are fighting for the League.  

“There is a lot at stake for both teams but the bottom line we have to go with confidence – we have played them before, we know what they are about and know everything they do. We must make sure that we are switched on, play our absolute best – we are a force home and away and we have to make sure that we are at it on Saturday.”