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Match Reports by Tony Rickson Saturday 15th August 2015 Ryman League Div 1 South Sittingbourne 2 South Park 1 Att 87 An excellent first half performance ensured a welcome first victory of the season for Sittingbourne. South Park, who came into the game with a 100 per cent record from their opening two matches of the season, fought back strongly in the second half but Sittingbourne defended stubbornly to just hold out. At the heart of it was manager Nick Davis, who with three regular central defenders missing, had to pick himself for the first time this year. It was a gamble that paid off handsomely, with Davis still showing a great ability to read a game, as well as a tremendous determination to see the job through. He was one of four changes from the team that lost in midweek to Hastings with Steff Wright returning after suspension, Hicham Akhazzan back from holiday, and Jack Steventon promoted from substitute. Out of the starting line-up went Adam Williams, Jack North, Ollie Brown and Billy French. Wright and Akhazzan stepped into the two wide midfield roles and immediately showed how much they had been missed, with their attacking flair combined with sensible defending when the need arose. And it was Wright who gave Sittingbourne a flying start with a goal after just six minutes on a bright August afternoon. Jake Beecroft floated a free-kick beyond the far post, Davis put it back in the middle, the ever-dangerous Harry Smith had a shot blocked, and Wright tucked away the loose ball. It was the first time Sittingbourne had led this season and it showed in their play, as they attacked confidently with pace and innovation, and constantly won the ball back from slower-to-react South Park players all over the pitch. Captain Tom Brunt, who scored a great goal against South Park last season, got forward to rattle the bar in the 20th minute as Sittingbourne dominated. And they made it 2-0 just after the halfhour when Beecroft found Akhazzan, and after a typically mazy run into the area he fired the ball across goal where Smith diverted in his first (of many?) goals this season. A third goal would surely have tied it up and Sittingbourne almost got it in the 41st minute when Miles Cornwell crossed perfectly for Smith to head powerfully goalwards. But South Park’s experienced Wastell, everybody’s favourite opposition keeper, dived brilliantly to his right to save. It had been truly one of Sittingbourne’s best 45 minutes for a long time, judging by both the quality and energy of their play. But Wright went off injured early in the second half and South Park gradually got more and more on top. Sittingbourne still had their moments and Adam Williams’ bullet shot was palmed away shortly before another sub, Dave Pilcher, saw his shot deflected onto the far post. And Beecroft almost capped another impressive midfield display by breaking clear on Akhazzan’s pass only to overrun the ball. At the other end, Davis showed all his magnificent commitment to clear a South Park shot off the line, but he was just unable to get a block in when Lavery carefully placed his 82nd minute 20- yarder inside the post to pull it back to 2 -1. It was what’s known in football as squeaky bum time but Sittingbourne just held onto their lead in the final frantic minutes to complete what was still a deserved win over the whole 90 minutes. Sittingbourne: Molloy, Brunt, Lee, Davis, Steventon, Bankole, Wright (Pilcher 57 mins), Beecroft, Smith, Cornwell (Williams 65 mins), Akhazzan (Gonnella 78 mins). Subs not used Obasa, Brown
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Page 1: THE BRICKIES Division 1 South, Seas
Page 4: Welcome to Woodstock Park from The
Page 7: DON’T get me wrong, I enjoy a goo
Page 14: Sittingbourne FC —Pen Pics NICK D
Page 18 and 19: DATE OPPOSITION COMP Sc ATT 1 2 3 4
Page 22: Away Travel details Emirates FA Cup
Page 26 and 27: The Chairman’s Column There were
Page 32 and 33: Player Stats to and including 22nd
Page 34 and 35: Brickies Lottery Winners Receive £
Page 36: PLAYED SUBSTITUTE GOALS PLAYED SUBS

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