Abbott reveals secret behind impressive away form

SITTINGBOURNE boss Gary Abbott is confident his side will continue their impressive away form and claim victory at league leaders Kingstonian on Sunday afternoon, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Brickies have the best away record in the division and they impressed during their 1-1 draw at Cray Wanderers in midweek, a result that prevented Ian Jenkins’ side leapfrogging over the Surrey giants.

Striker Tom Bradbrook had given Sittingbourne the lead, but Richard Brady’s missed penalty - which hit the foot of the right-hand post - proved costly as Dean Morris’ first goal of the season - on the hour mark - ensured the home side stole a point.

Sittingbourne are now in eighth place in the Ryman League Division One South table - level on points with local rivals Ashford Town, who occupy the final play-off berth, courtesy of a three match unbeaten run.

There were plenty of hand-shakes for Abbott following the Hayes Lane draw, but Abbott, who scored 25 goals in 75 appearances for the Wands, wants what’s best for his club and he is doing a good job with limited resources.

Sittingbourne have picked up eight wins, two draws and just one defeat on their travels this season, but at Bourne Park they haven’t got accustomed to the big pitch, winning only two games and picking up one draw from their eight home games.

But Abbott, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk on Tuesday night, believes his side are now getting to grips with the two systems he adopts and that they have nothing to fear for what will be an intriguing match at Kingsmeadow on Saturday as the promotion race heats up.

“We are getting stronger and stronger and I said a month ago whoever can go on a run over Christmas is going to be there and we are doing that at the moment,” he said.

“We play a different system at home now because of the pitch and I think that’s what we’ve got to do because it suits us and it seems to be working.

“When we come away we play another system, which is also working.”

Kingstonian manager Alan Dowson was spotted at Hayes Lane watching the Kent derby and Abbott believes his young side will post the K’s problems.

“I think they’d have been impressed with us,” he said, as he praised his young guns.

“We’ve brought them a long way, they’re young, too young and they want to work hard and they want to fight for Sittingbourne and hopefully they want to fight for me as well.”

There is a lot riding on Sunday's game at Kingsmeadow.

“I’ve said to the boys every game is a big game for us,” admitted Abbott. “Everyone said at the start of the season Sittingbourne are going to go down and all this.

“I think we’ve surprised a few people and hopefully the people who was here (at Cray) tonight were surprised.”

Abbott wants his side to replicate Ashford Town’s achievement of three weeks ago - silencing the home faithful with an impressive 3-2 victory.

He said: “If Ashford can go there and win I’m sure we can go there and win. All the boys are looking forward to it.

“It’s another big game, but we just don’t want to get beat. We want to keep this little run going.

“We’ll give everyone a good game, we’ll get in their faces early and as long as my boys work hard they’ll get their rewards.”

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game.

Visit Sittingbourne’s website: www.sittingbournefc.co.uk

Kingstonian v Sittingbourne
Ryman League Division One South
Sunday 21^st December 2008
Kick Off 1:00pm
At Kingsmeadow, Jack Goodchild Way, 422a Kingston Road, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey KT1 3PB