Tony Rickson Previews Sittingbourne v East Grisnstead Town, Saturday 17th February KO 3.00PM

Sittingbourne have a great chance to get the much-delayed Aslan Odev era off to a winning start on Saturday.

They face an East Grinstead side they comfortably beat 3-1 a couple of months ago so have the opportunity to complete what  would be their second double of the season, having previously beaten Herne Bay home and away.

East Grinstead have won only once in eight games this year, though they’ve also forced a couple of draws, against Faversham last Saturday and a very creditable one against league leaders Cray Wanderers.

While East Grinstead were battling to a draw in testing conditions a week ago, Sittingbourne were kicking their heels – their scheduled home match against Walton Casuals a victim of a pitch that was waterlogged in place.

It means Odev has now been in charge for nearly three weeks but has yet to see a team he’s selected take to the pitch.

He can’t wait to get going, especially as postponed matches will mean a hectic schedule for the last couple of months while he’s trying to prove that he’s the man for the job to manage Sittingbourne into next season.

When Sittingbourne played at East Grinstead in December, top scorer Kane Rowland gave them the lead and Miles Cornwell and Bola Dawodu added second half goals.

Surprisingly, Dawodu hasn’t scored for Sittingbourne since, having been getting goals for fun early in the season.

When East Grinstead last visited Woodstock, they were beaten 1-0 when Tom Carlse headed a last minute winning goal against the club he used to play for.

Tony Rickson