Bourne will tighten up our defence, says Abbott

SITTINGBOURNE manager Gary Abbott will finally hand Matt Bourne his debut when Leatherhead visit Bourne Park on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The central defender has signed for his home-town club, having signed from Folkestone Invicta recently and the former Chatham Town defender is expected to make his debut against the Surrey side.

Following his release from Dover Athletic in the close season, Bourne turned down a move to Bourne Park to sign for Invicta, who offered him a better financial package, but Abbott, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight, is pleased to have finally got his man.

“I tried to get him over the summer and obviously he went for the money at Folkestone, which is fair enough, if they want the money they go,” said Abbott.

“He went to sign for Whitstable last Wednesday as well and he got there and they said they couldn’t do it, as one of the sponsors’ pulled out and they said they can’t pay him.

“He came to us last Thursday training and that was it. He likes the boys and said he wanted to sign for us.

“We had to cut the budget again, no-one’s on a lot of money down there (at Sittingbourne). I want players here who come here and enjoy it and pick up their little bit of money and work hard.”

Abbott’s side haven’t played since their 3-1 home win over Walton Casuals on Monday, 17^th November, as Cray Wanderers (FA Trophy) and Worthing (Sussex Senior Cup) have had cup commitments.

Abbott, meanwhile, wants to make up for lost time and sees the Leatherhead game as a good opportunity to climb the Ryman League Division One South table.

The Brickies are in tenth place in the table with a record of eight wins and two draws and are two places and two points above their next opponents.

“We’ve won two of our last three home games so hopefully we can keep that little run going,” said Abbott.

“These are the games we’ve got to win. We have to get three points. Simple as that. It puts pressure on the boys and they know that as well.

“It so tight, if we win our two games in hand we could go third or fourth, then we’re right in there. Other teams are saying the same thing.

“If we’re in the top five or six we’ve got half a chance of getting there. It’s going to be tough. I’m happy with the signing (of Matt Bourne). Hopefully we can keep clean sheets and pick up three points.

Bourne has been added to the squad to shore up Sittingbourne’s defence, having conceded - and scored - 28 goals in their 16 league games.

“A few clubs actually came in for him and I feel quite lucky to have him,” said Abbott.

“He’s from Sittingbourne anyway and that’s probably got a lot to do with it.

“If you want to win things you have to keep clean sheets. You can’t let too many goals in, we’re letting in quite a few goals.

“He’ll give us experience. You write the team down and on paper it looks a brilliant team. I know what team I’m going to pick; it looks quite strong.”

Pat Gradley is going to visit a specialist tomorrow to assess his groin strain, although Abbott believes the midfielder may have a hernia problem. Joe Dowley, meanwhile, serves a one-match suspension against the Tanners, although he’ll be added to the squad for Monday night’s home Ryman League Cup first round tie against Whitstable Town.

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

Sittingbourne v Leatherhead
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 29^th November 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Bourne Park, Central Park, Eurolink, Church Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3SB