Ryan Maxwell says Sittingbourne’s FA Cup Kent derby against Dover is the biggest match of his time as manager. The sides meet in a first qualifying round clash at Woodstock on Saturday (3pm), with Bourne ready to go on the attack.
That will be the approach as Maxwell’s Isthmian South East high-fliers look to spring an upset against Isthmian Premier Whites.
It’s been a rough few years for Dover, with two relegations in three seasons, but they’ve made an excellent start to the new campaign under Jake Leberl, whose free-scoring side have taken 10 points in five games. “In terms of what it means to everybody, it’s the biggest game I’ve had since I’ve been here,” said Maxwell. “It’s FA Cup football, a Kent derby against a team in a higher league - it has to be the biggest game. “I’m aware of the importance of it for the fans. “They can’t wait - they’re excited. “I’m excited as well and the players are looking forward to it. “There’s a buzz about the club and we’re going to enjoy it. “I understand Kent’s a massive football county and how much it means to the people of Kent. “I’m fully invested in the derbies and what they mean. “It adds an extra bit of spice to the games, too, and I enjoy that, so from a personal point of view I like the fact there are a number of derbies in our league but this one is the biggest one yet in the FA Cup.” It’s 30 years since the clubs met in the FA Cup, with Sittingbourne running out 2-1 replay winners after a 1-1 draw.
That was also in the first qualifying round stage. The Brickies know what they need to do this weekend. “I’ve told the boys they’ve got to enjoy this,” said Maxwell. “We’re going to leave everything out there and we’re going to go for it.