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Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell wants to stay competitive while taking care of his squad for their forthcoming play-off battle.
The Brickies lost 3-0 at Three Bridges on Saturday as some key men were left out of the starting XI and Maxwell will continue to monitor the squad to keep them fresh and injury-free for what lies ahead.
His side drew 1-1 at Littlehampton Town last night (Tuesday) – a result that all but secures a play-off spot – and host Lancing on Saturday. Gabriel Piorkowski scored in his own net on 71 minutes in the midweek match but put the ball in at the right end 10 minutes later to level the score.
“There is always an element of risk but it was worth it for me,” said Maxwell, reflecting on their weekend defeat and his team selection.
“I got what I needed, the only disappointing thing is that we were unbeaten away from home up until that point this season. But for the bigger picture, I certainly learned what I needed from it.”
Maxwell left top scorer Mitchell May out of the line-up on Saturday before recalling him on Tuesday. Captain Bagasan Graham was also back in the XI for the midweek clash along with defender Joe Tyrie.
Maxwell’s side are almost certain to be in the play-offs this season – another point would guarantee it but their impressive goal difference should mean they don’t even need that – but finishing third would give them home advantage in a semi-final clash.
Isthmian South East table
The manager said: “We have one eye on the future, looking at minutes and the risk factor and taking care of everyone while at the same time trying to be competitive and trying to stay in good form.
“As everyone knows, when you haven’t got a big squad you have to look after your players and that’s what we’ll be doing but ultimately we still have to stay competitive.
“We would be foolish not to plan ahead and we are but we do want to win and be competitive, and we will be.
“We are in a good place, it is not just the results at the minute, we have a few things to juggle and manage but we will be ready for when the time is right.”
Commenting on the squad, he added: “We have a few knocks and niggles and we took Chris Arthur off on Saturday, more as a precaution, a little bit of a muscle strain.
“It is about looking after their minutes and making sure they don’t overdo it and we lose them for a few weeks because we don’t have the time left for them to recover. They will be fine for when it matters.”
Arthur wasn’t in the squad on Tuesday night.
The Brickies boss has continued to reward those fans who travel with money behind the bar for drinks and supporters have been showing up in good numbers at home too. Weekend visitors Lancing will be heading to Sittingbourne with hopes of getting among the play-offs places.
“The fans are repaying us,” said the manager. “They are there every week now and we’ve got above that 300 mark, when it was just 125 when I came in so I am pleased.”
