Sittingbourne, blue, on their way to a 3-1 win over Ramsgate on Tuesday. Picture: Andy Payton

by Craig Tucker

Manager Jim Ward says he fears for Sittingbourne Football Club’s future unless home crowds improve.

The Brickies have been impressive at Bourne Park this season with Saturday’s 2-0 win over in-form Tooting & Mitcham stretching their unbeaten run to seven games in league and cup.

But only 131 fans turned out to see it and joint-boss Ward is desperate for the town to get behind their club, starting with Merstham at home on Saturday.

Their 10 league matches so far have averaged just 137 fans at Bourne Park.

Ward said: "The last thing I want to see is this club go to the wall but unless we get more people through the gate or somebody comes forward to help with sponsorship, then it’s going to be a right old struggle.

"The fans who turn up every week are great. They make so much noise and get behind the players but crowds of 130-odd just aren’t enough. We need another 100 people through the gate."

Sittingbourne's 3-1 win at Ramsgate on Tuesday moved them into fifth place -three points behind Ryman League Division 1 South leaders Maidstone.