by Craig Tucker

Joint-boss Jim Ward insists Sittingbourne are capable of causing an FA Cup upset at Ryman League Premier Division side Whitehawk on Saturday.

But the Brickies will have to do it without defender Curtis Winnett, who is missing the first qualifying round tie to watch Lady Gaga in concert!

“It cost him his place in the team at Herne Bay on Saturday,” explained Ward. “And it’ll cost him a whole lot more once people know why he’s not playing!”

There’s no pressure on Ryman League Division 1 South Bourne going into the game against big-spending Hawks.

The teams were in the same division last season and Ward is hoping that may work in his side’s favour.

He said: “What we want is for their manager Darren Freeman to think we’re the same side they played last season, the one that finished third-bottom of the league.

“He might see it as a chance to rest a couple of players or try a different formation. But we’re a different team now and if they don’t give us the respect we deserve, we’ll beat them.”

Ward took Ramsgate to the first round proper of the FA Cup in 2005 so he knows what it takes to pull off a shock.

He added: “It is a big ask to go there and win but upsets do happen in the cup. Nobody thought we’d get through the preliminary round so we have nothing to lose."

Jon Hogg, who is at a family wedding in Scotland, joins Winnett in missing the game.

Do you think Bourne can upset the Hawks? Have your say below.