Croydon Athletic 0 (0) -v- Sittingbourne 4 (3)

Report by Mike Green

Sittingbourne made it twenty-four Isthmian League games unbeaten on Saturday (25th January) afternoon with a comfortable away win at AFC Croydon Athletic as the buildup to the Brickies FA Trophy last 16 tie begins in earnest... 

First half strikes from Ryan Kingsford, Troy Howard and a wonder strike from Richie Hamill gave Ryan Maxwell’s side a lead that they were never going to lose. Kingsford would have left the ground asking why he didn't walk out with the match-ball, as before he powered home a great header, the Brickies striker had had a header, and a penalty saved... such was the total dominance of the visitors... 

In the reverse fixture, the Brickies had scored three by the time Kingsford had opening the scoring – even though the former Maidstone man netted here on five minutes taking advantage of poor defending to lob high over Amadou Tangara and into the Croydon net. 

The lead was doubled on thirteen minutes. Henry Sinai did really well powering forward and as the ball fell to Joe Boachie, the ball was brilliantly curled into the box for a stooping Howard to head home followed by the “usual” celebrations for the winger of a forward somersault. 

Howard could have made it three shortly afterwards as he raced clear, but couldn't keep his shot over an advancing Tangara down. The home side were shell shocked but had a golden chance to get a foothold as Kadell Daniel forced his way into the Brickies box only to be denied by a terrific one handed save from James Batt who was off balanced and showed great reflexes to keep the ball out. 

The game was effectively over a contest on the half-hour as Hamill made in three with a magnificent 30-yard drive into the top left-hand corner which left Tangara rooted to the spot in admiration. 

There was then a thirteen-minute delay after Tangara collided with his full back, Adam Ahmed, leaving the full-back poleaxed on the edge of the Croydon box. After several minutes of intense treatment from both physio’s, the stricken player was stretchered from the field to loud appreciative applause. 

Kingsford was desperately unlucky not to make it four in stoppage time with an angled drive that beat Tangara but crashed off the bar. 

The Brickies onslaught continued after the break – Kingsford was denied by an excellent reflex save when Tangara somehow kept out a header and then as Boachie was brought down in the box, Mr. Trout had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Kingsford took the responsibility but Tangara guessed right and for the second time in a matter of minutes denied the Brickies striker his fourteenth goal of the season. It didn't stop Kingsford though as five minutes later a towering header from a great Boachie cross did make it four-nil. 

Howard could have had a fifth but fired over from a corner whilst the home sides afternoon was complete when former Brickie Jerry Puemo was shown a second yellow card late on. 

Sittingbourne Played: Batt, Lukombo, Graham (Jones), Hamill, Steventon, Smith, Howard (Bessey-Saldanha), Cosgrave, Boachie (May), Kingsford (El-Mogharbel) and Sinai (Beckford). Subs not used: None.

NEXT MATCH: AWAY - Southend United in Fifth Round of the FA Trophy - Saturday 1st February, kick off at 3:00pm.