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Sport

Sittingbourne back in action after weekend postponement as mark of respect to the Queen

By: Craig Tucker ctucker@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 14 September 2022

Nick Davis agreed with the decision to postpone the weekend’s football following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Davis was due to take his Sittingbourne side to South Park in the FA Trophy First Qualifying Round on Sunday.

Sittingbourne manager Nick Davis Picture: Alan Langley

But the tie was called off, along with every other match in English football, as a mark of respect to the Queen, who died on Thursday.

With action resuming, Brickies’ Trophy tie will now take place tonight (7.45pm).

“It was a just a case of waiting to see what the FA were doing,” said Brickies boss Davis.

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“The Premier League were first to announce they were postponing their games and then it filtered down to us.

“I don’t think anyone was too surprised given what happened.

“It split opinion a bit but I don’t think it’s an issue for one weekend.”

Sittingbourne made an early exit from the FA Cup, beaten by Fisher in a replay, but hope to make progress in the Trophy.

It won’t be easy, however, against a South Park side fifth in Isthmian South Central.

The tie will be played at Merstham, where Park are groundsharing while their 3G pitch is completed.

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Abdul Osman and Bagasan Graham return from injury and suspension respectively, while Alex Addai and Jason Banton could feature after time on the treatment table.

“We’ve had them watched, it’ll be a tough game,” said Davis.

“They’ve not had a proper home game yet, where they’re waiting for their 3G pitch to go down, but it’s very close to being finished now.

“They’re in a good league position, they’re a well-managed, well-coached, young side.

“Knowing Merstham, it’s going to be a good surface and hopefully we can go there and get through. We’d like a cup run, every side would.”

Former Brickies captain Kane Rowland joined Ramsgate last week following his departure from Woodstock.

Davis is keeping his options open regarding a replacement for the striker.

“We’ve not got anyone in at the moment,” he said. “We’ve had a few injuries but as they start to come back, hopefully we’ll be all right.

“We’ll keep looking, you never know, but it’s not an absolute must to replace him.

“I’d like another forward but we’ve got a couple of people who can play there, so it’s not essential.

“If one becomes available we might have a look. We’ll see how it goes. Forwards are hard to come by.”

Sittingbourne haven’t played a league game since their 1-0 Swale derby success at Sheppey on August 29.

With no match this weekend the wait continues, but the Brickies are finally back in Isthmian South East action at home to Hythe on Tuesday (7.45pm).

That will see the return of ex-Brickies manager Darren Blackburn, who is assistant to Cannons boss Steve Watt.

Davis said: “It’s been stop-start, we’ve only played four league games.

“That’s made it hard to get consistency and continuity but the games will be coming thick and fast now with four midweeks on the bounce.

“We’re looking forward to getting back to the league - that’s our bread and butter.

“It’s another Kent derby, and they’re never easy because everyone knows each other, but we’re at home and hopefully we can get a result.”

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