We are really expecting a really tough test in Guernsey, says Sittingbourne boss Nick Davis

SITTINGBOURNE manager Nick Davis says he’s expecting a really tough test on the Channel Islands tomorrow.

Sittingbourne fly over to Guernsey in the morning to play a side that are under-performing in the bottom four in the Ryman League Division One South table, having collected two wins, five draws and eight defeats in the league.

Sittingbourne, meanwhile, sit in thirteenth-place in the table, having won five, drawn four and lost four league games.

“We’re away to Guernsey tomorrow, so an early start, a long day and hopefully we can come away with some sort of result,” said Davis.

“I know they were the only unbeaten side at home until their game on Wednesday against Faversham, so we are expecting a really tough test tomorrow.”

Sittingbourne were knocked out of the Alan Turvey Trophy Sponsored by Robert Dyas on Tuesday night, losing 2-1 away to Ryman Premier Leaguers Tonbridge Angels.

“We played well against Tonbridge and were well in the game up until injury time when we pilled forward and we got caught and conceded a penalty,” reflected Davis.

“They are a good side and play a certain way, which is very effective and have a very good manager in Steve McKimm, who’s very knowledgeable and I’m sure they will be right up challenging for promotion come the end of the season.

“We have lost three players since the start of the season and another might follow, so I have had to bring one or two in and change our formation and style slightly.

“We are very young, an honest bunch, I have a loyal core.  I have given some of these lads an opportunity when others haven’t and they are repaying me with giving me everything on that pitch.  As a manager, I can’t ask for any more than that.”

A club’s spokesman insists the club are not cash-strapped, despite Davis losing three players.

John Pitts said: “We are not cash-strapped. We are probably one of the few clubs who are in the black.  Unlike many clubs our budget (which is probably around the same as many clubs at our level) is one we can afford.

“Nick does a great job with it and money is not the prime motivator for our loyal bunch of players or player management.”

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

Guernsey  v  Sittingbourne
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 29^th October 2016
Kick Off 2:00pm
at Footes Lane Stadium, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2UL