Reece Prestedge, the manager of Sittingbourne FC, has acknowledged that the team’s chances of winning the title are now unlikely. Despite remaining unbeaten since his appointment in November, Sittingbourne has fallen behind in the race for the Isthmian South East promotion.
Current Standings and Recent Performance
Sittingbourne sits 17 points adrift of the league leaders, Three Bridges, with two games in hand. Following a recent 3-3 draw against Faversham Town, the team has seen its lead slip away after conceding three goals in the final ten minutes.
- Current Points Behind: 17
- Games in Hand: 2
- Recent Draw: 3-3 against Faversham Town
Manager’s Comments
Following the Faversham match, Prestedge expressed his disappointment. “We were in a strong position, leading 3-0, but we need to see out games like that if we want to challenge for the top spot,” he said. The manager recognized that their unbeaten streak includes two consecutive draws, which has hindered their progress.
Challenges Faced by the Team
Several matches were postponed recently due to adverse weather, impacting their rhythm. Prestedge noted that it affects match fitness, especially after a lengthy break from competitive play.
Upcoming Matches
Despite the challenges, Sittingbourne remains close to a top-five finish. They are just one point behind AFC Croydon Athletic and Faversham Town with several games ahead of them. Upcoming fixtures include:
- Sevenoaks Town – This Weekend
- Crowborough Athletic – Tuesday
Player Contributions
In the match against Faversham, Sittingbourne displayed clinical finishing in the first half, with goals from Jack Steventon and captain Bagasan Graham. The team aims to have contributions from various players, not solely the strikers. Prestedge emphasized the importance of goals from all areas of the pitch.
Community Support
A minute’s applause was held in honor of Tiffany Marjeram, wife of the vice-chairman, before the recent derby against Faversham. This demonstrates the club’s strong community ties amid ongoing sports challenges.
Going forward, Sittingbourne will strive to maintain their positive outlook as they approach the critical matches ahead. Prestedge remains committed to building on the team’s strengths to enhance their chances in the competition.
