Sittingbourne announce half-price admission to final Isthmian South East Ieague game against Littlehampton | Home play-off semi-final to follow next week
Published: 05:00, 24 April 2024
Sittingbourne are offering fans half-price entry for their final league game of the season.
The Brickies complete the regular Isthmian South East campaign at home to Littlehampton on Saturday (3pm).
That will be followed by a play-off semi-final against either Chichester or Three Bridges at Woodstock on Tuesday night (7.45pm).
Sittingbourne have enjoyed their most successful season in years, securing third place and a first play-off campaign.
And they’re keen to thank supporters for their backing with the weekend entry offer.
Adult admission is £5, with concessions £3, 11-17-year-olds £1.50 and under-11s free with a paying adult.
There’s also a £2 a pint offer on Carlsberg.
“The fans are so important to us and that’s why we’re doing this,” said manager Ryan Maxwell.
“It eases the pressure on fans to dig deep and it’s a case of thanking them for everything they’ve done so far.
“It’s a token of our appreciation, a little gift from us to them.
“The fans have been exceptional and we’d like the place rocking again on Saturday.
“We’re genuine in our appreciation and hopefully everyone turns up in their numbers again for the play-offs on Tuesday.”
Sittingbourne confirmed third place with goals from Mitchell May and Joe Tyrie in a 2-1 success at Phoenix on Saturday.
As things stand they’ll host Three Bridges but Chichester, two points behind their Sussex rivals, could pinch fourth on the final day.
“We’ve had discussions about the play-offs, and being at home, because we’ve been in this position for a long time,” said Maxwell.
“We are where we expected to be a few weeks back.
“We’re in a good place and we’ve got a week to prepare and get all the fine details refined to ensure we’re at our best physically and mentally.
“A week’s a long time but we’ve got a lot to get into that.
“We don’t know who we’re playing but it’s one of two so that’s still beneficial as we can plan for both.
“We’ve played both twice so we know what to expect, who their dangermen are, what they do, their style of play, etc.
“It’s just about which one we get and that’s why this week is really important to discuss both.
“Play-offs are nerve-racking games, aren’t they?
“Form and everything else goes out the window.
“There have been twists and turns and many a shock in play-offs over the years.
“We’ve just got to make sure we enjoy it.
“The mental side is really important and we’ll make sure we’re prepared.”
Sittingbourne are hoping to have defender Chris Arthur and striker Danny Parish available for the play-offs.
They’re set to train this week after groin injuries.
“It’ll be a huge boost to the boys if they’re both available come Saturday and Tuesday,” said Maxwell.
“Fingers crossed they come through training.
“I think Chris probably needs to play a part on Saturday to be considered for the play-offs.
“Not so much Danny because he hasn’t been out that long.
“We started Chris against Three Bridges (on April 6), which was a risk and he had to come off.
“He needs a little more TLC than Danny, who’s more precautionary.
“Danny’s probably 90% for Saturday but is it worth taking the risk? Probably not. We’ll take stock after training.”
Chris Harris scored the only goal as Sittingbourne won 1-0 at nine-man Hythe on Tuesday last week.
The Cannons played 90 minutes with outfield player Sam Flisher in goal after finding themselves without a keeper.
Victory strengthened their grip on third place before the weekend win at Phoenix cemented it.
“We were very good in large spells on Saturday,” said Maxwell.
“It was a difficult pitch, it was hard to keep the ball on it, a bit like Hythe’s on Tuesday, but you accept that.
“We should have come in more than 1-0 up but it was good to see Mitch get his goal.
“Second half, we’ve got the second goal and then, naively, switched off and let them back into it.
“We were in control and maybe we thought it was job done, but it wasn’t.
“Overall, though, I was pleased with our performance, individually and collectively.”
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Craig Tucker