Sittingbourne were looking for a fourth consecutive win in the annual Bob Amor Trophy match against Kent League side Faversham Town. Faversham under the guidance of Stuart Latchford and ex Brickie Jimmy Strouts have signed a number of experienced players and have shown in previous friendlies, notably against Dover Athletic (1-0 defeat) and Folkestone Invicta (1-0 win), that they will be a force in the Kent Football League this season.  

Faversham Town took the lead after 8 minutes when Brickies keeper Charlie Donaghue was beaten to the ball by Dave Soutam who headed into the Brickies net. Not many chances were made in a half that Faversham just shaded. At this stage the experienced Faversham defence of Lee Shearer, Roy Guiver, Chris Eather and Dean Yorath were not giving much away. 

Brickies manager, Gary Abbott, made changes at half time that changed the game completely. He introduced big forward Elie Kayembe who gave the Faversham defence and particularly ex Brickie Roy Guiver a torrid time.  

Sittingbourne began to dominate. Young Portugese born winger, Andre Marquez was beating the Faversham defence with ease and it was only a matter of time before Sittingbourne equalised. This they did with 30 minutes to go when Kayembe was in the right place to tap home. Sittingbourne continued to have the lions share of the game and it was no surprise when Matt Foreman scored the winner. The Brickies also went on to hit the bar and generally should have had more goals. Kevin Readings in the Faversham goal, only having his second game for them, time and time again pulled off good saves to keep the score respectable. 

So Sittingbourne retained the Bob Amor trophy and like last year had chances to make the score more emphatic. This was a very competitive and entertaining match – a cut above the usual pre season affairs. 

There were a number of good performances and things are looking good for the new season. Bryan Glover, taking on the role of captain in the absence of Pat Gradley, did well when he moved back for the second half. Rick Holmes and Billy Manners looked commanding in defence and Richard Brady and particularly Tom Bradbrook worked hard up front in the first half without much luck. 

Gary still thinks that the defence needs strengthening but is happy in midfield and up front particularly with the addition of Andre Silva and Elie Kayembe 

Faversham look a much stronger side than last season and look set to have a good season in the Kent league. 

Sittingbournes next friendly is on Thursday away to Thamesmead Town. On Saturday they are home to a team from Hertfordshire, Broxbourne Borough.

John Pitts