Sittingbourne will play their first home match of the season at Whitstable’s Belmont ground – but Woodstock Park is almost ready for Ryman League football.

The WEM Stadium failed its ground grading on Tuesday, but requires only minor work to pass.

Bourne must extend the roof over terracing, complete a pathway and improve signage.

They hope to finish the work in the next fortnight, but face a race against time to host Walton & Hersham at their new ground on August 20.

Brickies secretary John Pitts said: “It’s a couple of minor issues. The inspectors were both impressed with the facilities and how much had been achieved.

“We’ll have to start the season at Whitstable. The Three Bridges game on Saturday is the only definite fixture there.

“That’s not to say there won’t be others but we’re hoping to have the ground ready for the Walton & Hersham game.”

Bourne would be playing at Whitstable this weekend even if Woodstock had passed its grading. That’s because the league require a grading to be in place for seven days before a ground can be used.