Lovell: We must have a positive attitude if we are to achieve our goals - EXCLUSIVE

Sittingbourne are getting their big players back to aid their push towards promotion, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Bourne Park club are just four points behind Ryman League Division One South leaders Fleet Town in fifth place in the table and are currently enjoying a run of three wins and two draws from their last five league outings.
 
And Steve Lovell’s men booked their place in the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy on Tuesday night, winning their replay at Arlesey Town.
 
Bath City, from the Southern Premier League, visit Bourne Park in the next round on 4^th November.
 
But Lovell said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk today that he is pleased with their current form as they go into tomorrow’s local showdown at Chatham Town.
 
Reflecting on their 2-1 midweek replay win at Arlesey Town, Lovell said: “Defended very well first half and then for the last half hour of the game out played them and deserved the win.
 
“It was important to keep the winning streak and no losses going.  But it’s only what we deserved and apart from, most probably the game against Arlesey at home when we really didn’t play at a high tempo, the rest of the games I’ve been really pleased with.”
 
Lovell’s men beat Chatham Town on all three occasions last season, but the Welshman admitted Phil Miles’ side will be a tough nut to crack.
 
“That was last year – it’s different this year,” said Lovell.  “It will be a harder game because of the fact that we’re on a good run.  Teams now want to beat us and it will be very difficult down at Chatham.
 
“Local derbies are always exciting encounters for the players.  They do know each other but it’s football and as soon as they cross that line the friendship is forgotten until the final whistle goes.
 
“It will be a very tight encounter and we need to be on our top form if we are going to get anything out of the game.”
 
Walton Casuals, who welcome struggling Ashford Town tomorrow, travel to Bourne Park on Tuesday night, and Lovell demands three points against the Surrey side.
 
“I’ve been fairly happy,” said Lovell.  “I think there’s a lot more to come out of our boys and that’s what we’re aiming for.
 
“We’ve had two or three exceptional performances this year so there’s no reason why we can’t produce that on a more regular basis.  If we do that I will be very happy.
 
“I think if any of my players is not thinking about promotion they shouldn’t be with us because that’s what everybody wants when they start the season.
 
“Whether you get that or not remains to be seen but you must have that positive mentality.  The better start you have the more it comes into focus.
 
“Otherwise there’s no point being a manager, a coach or a player, if you don’t have goals to aim for and that is obviously everybody’s ultimate goal.
 
“To make it a reality there’s got to be a lot of hard work and positive mental approach.”
 
The Welshman gave an insight to Walton Casuals’ recent form, adding: “They’ve had a couple of good results recently beating Horsham YMCA and hammering Whyteleafe in the week so they’ve had a dramatic turnaround.
 
“But again that will be a tough game, but we will approach it like any other and hopefully pick up another three points.”
 
Jon Neal, meanwhile, is doubtful with an ankle injury but Mark Lovell (calf) should be fit tomorrow after being substituted at Arlesey Town in midweek as a precaution.
 
Lee Hockey and Tristan Knowles will be playing for the reserves at Herne Bay tomorrow and Lovell feels that “there not too far away being added” to his squad.
 
Clint Gooding (suspension) and Matt Nicholls (work commitments) are also back for the 22-mile round trip to Chatham tomorrow.
 
“There’s only James Campbell whose still not fit,” revealed Lovell.  “That’s about it, that’s everybody.  I haven’t had a full squad to choose from, from perhaps the first week of the season.
 
“We were picking up injuries but I’ve been fortunate to have quite a big squad this year and that has helped dramatically.”
 
Visit Sittingbourne’s website:  www.sittingbournefc.co.uk