By Steve Tervet

Financial survival is the aim for Sittingbourne at the start of a year which promises to further test the resources of Ryman League clubs.

Chairman Andy Spice (pictured) cut the Brickies’ playing budget 12 months ago and believes the decision has been beneficial to the long-term health of the club.

The return of Maidstone to Bourne Park on a one-year groundshare agreement has boosted the Bourne coffers although home crowds remain a concern.

Monday’s clash against the Stones attracted a bumper attendance of 442 but three of Sittingbourne’s previous five home games drew crowds of less than 100. With another Ryman League Division 1 South club, Croydon Athletic, facing closure, Mr Spice remains focused on off-field stability.

He said: "We really want to continue, just to survive as a club in this league.

"I don’t think Croydon will be the only one, other clubs will pack up. Probably not the same sort of situation, but clubs will go down to a lower level. It’s pretty good at the moment on the financial side.

"By the end of the season, we should be clear of any debt. The Maidstone groundshare has been a major help and we haven’t got the same sort of issues as last year. (Cutting the budget) was the right thing to do at the time.

"It’s helped the club immensely and it’s all about keeping Sittingbourne Football Club going rather than going for titles. We need to keep the club going, so we can move up later."

The Brickies have won only one home game since September but Mr Spice praised the work of manager Joe Dowley in testing circumstances. He said: "He’s doing a good job, considering he’s probably on the tightest budget in the league."

On the field, Dowley’s side host second-placed Whitehawk on Saturday.