We'll lift ourselves against the big-spenders, says Abbott

Wednesday 10th February 2010
GARY ABBOTT says his Sittingbourne side has nothing to fear when they travel to big-spending Croydon Athletic at the weekend, writes Stephen McCartney.


Sittingbourne were held to a goal-less draw by Horsham YMCA last weekend, but dumped a strong Bromley side out of the Kent Senior Cup last night.

Goals from Karl Dent (2), Hicham Akhazzan and Tom Bradbrook stunned the Blue Square South hosts with a 4-1 win at Hayes Lane.

Abbott handed eighteen-year-old striker Jake Hobbs his debut, having signed him on a month’s loan from Bromley’s league rivals, Welling United.

Croydon Athletic have a big reputation this season and Abbott, who was speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk , says he holds no fear, especially after their 2-2 home draw back in October.

“At home we played Corydon a few months ago and we should’ve beaten them,” reflected Abbott.

“I know Croydon have got all the money, but I just think that just lifts teams anyway and that will lift us.

“We’ll go to Croydon and we’ll try and get three points, like we do every game.”

The Rams are presently second in the table, after Folkestone Invicta (who lost 10 points for their financial woes) cam away from Godalming with all three points in the bag last night.

“Croydon Athletic have got the money to back it up and if I had the budget then you should win the league.  

“I know that’s not the case here, we’re doing it on a very tight budget here but I’m not moaning about it.

“It’s the players that you bring in and I still think we’re good enough to get into the play-off’s.

“I still think we’re good, better.  On our day we can beat anybody in our league, on our day, so let’s get into the play-off’s and see what happens.”

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

Croydon Athletic  v  Sittingbourne
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 13th February 2010
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Mayfield Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey CR7 6DN