Sittingbourne assistant Tony Cornwell: We have been able to introduce a number of our very successful under 21 development players to get valuable game time at senior level to aid their progression

SITTINGBOURNE assistant manager Tony Cornwell was full of praise for the younger players that featured in their 3-3 draw against Guernsey on Tuesday night.

Nick Davis’ side are in fourteenth-place in the Ryman League Division One South table having won 11 and drawn nine of their 31 league outings and are a safe 22 points clear of the relegation zone.

“January has been a frustrating month with numerous games cancelled due to the weather conditions and we were pleased to welcome Guernsey on Tuesday night for our re-arranged fixture, even though this game had a late kick-off due to Guernsey being delayed due to the fog,” said Cornwell.

“Our squad is a little unsettled at the minute due to player injuries and availability but on a positive note we have been able to introduce a number of our very successful under 21 development players to get valuable game time at senior level to aid their progression.

“In fact, give of these young players featured in the Guernsey fixture and performed very well against what was also a young Guernsey team.

“Having taken the lead on three occasions in this match and having had a miraculous last minute goal line clearance by our opponents Nick (Davis) and I feel it was possibly two points dropped rather than one gained on the night.

“However, if Guernsey continue to perform especially away from home with that resolve I am sure they will successfully pull away from the relegation positions.”

Sittingbourne now look forward to two Kent derbies.  They host ninth-placed Cray Wanderers at Woodstock Park tomorrow, before travelling to relegation threatened Chatham Town on Monday night.

“We are hoping to get a good crowd at home on Saturday to cheer us on again and hope to be able to secure the three points up for grabs,” said Cornwell.

“If the Guernsey game and the previous away fixture against Cray are anything to go by (both 3-3 draws) there should be plenty of goal action and entertainment at the very least.

“Cray Wanderers are looking to get back in a play-off position and will be a tough opposition at the weekend but we are confident despite a few players’ missing.  We have a game plan and enough quality in our squad to gain victory on our home soil and are looking forward to the challenge.

“On Monday night we travel to our old Kent rivals Chatham Town, who are fighting for their lives at the minute to get out of the relegation zone.

“Despite our decent record against the Chats we are expecting another very competitive game especially as a number of the players’ involved have featured for both clubs in the past.”

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

Sittingbourne  v  Cray Wanderers
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 4^th February 2017
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Woodstock Park, Broadoak Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 8AG