By Craig Tucker

Jim Ward has challenged stay-away Sittingbourne fans to roll back the years and show their support for the club.

Brickies face Folkestone in their first home game of the season on Wednesday (7.45pm), with joint-manager Ward (pictured) issuing a rallying cry.

He said: "It’s not all that long ago that Sittingbourne were being watched by 5,000 people in the early days at Central Park.

"We know the fans are out there but can we get them through the turnstiles? That’s the challenge for the people of Sittingbourne because, without more fans, we can’t grow the club and make it more successful."

Sittingbourne started the Ryman League Division 1 South season with a 2-1 win at Three Bridges on Saturday. The commitment and fitness of the players impressed Ward, particularly after Ashley Ulph was sent-off early in the second half.

They will need to show the same qualities against a Folkestone side that Ward rates highly. Ulph (ankle) should be fit while right-back Kane Harrington could make his debut.

Ward said: "They’re a good side and if they don’t win the league, they’ll certainly be in the play-offs. They’ve probably got the most potent front two in the division in Stuart King and Paul Jones."

Bourne face Burnham at home in the FA Cup preliminary round on Saturday (3pm). Ward said: "The FA Cup is a big game. Danny (Ward, joint-manager) has been to watch Burnham and we’re getting a report from the Godalming manager Neil Baker. He's a pal of mine and they beat Burnham 1-0 on Saturday."