Added February 27th 2006 -

Rothwell Town 1 - 0 Sittingbourne

Rothwell Town still have the play-offs in their sights after a fully deserved victory over Sittingbourne, who beat them in the opening game of the season. They had to battle and work hard at it with a gusty wind blowing at gale force at times, making judgement of passing and control very difficult. But both teams coped well with it and the Bournes played some periods of good football which belied their lowly league position.

The hosts were the first to master the conditions and went close after ten minutes through Justin Jenkins with Stuart Spencer forcing a good save from Steve Williams five minutes later. The game then developed into a midfield battle with few real attacking chances. That was until just after the half-hour mark. A Rothwell throw-in taken by Kevin Brooks was received by Michael Boyle-Chong. He in turn squared the ball to Robbie Maddox just outside the box. Maddox then hit a lobbed shot over the stranded Williams and into the top corner of the net, scoring what turned out to be the winning goal.

Sittingbournes' first shot on goal did not come until the 36th minute when John Neal fired wide of the far post. They managed only one more effort before the break thanks to solid defending by the Bones. Mickey Tolton, Jenkins and Boyle-Chong went close for the hostss after the break as Rothwell continued to attack. The visitors pushed hard for an equaliser in the final ten minutes with Tom Smith making a crucial save at the feet of the prolific Bradley Spice in a one-on-one situation. And with only seconds left, he made a superb double save to thwart shots from the same player, protecting Rothwell's slender lead until the final whistle.

With only five points now seperating them and the play-off spots, the Bones travel to bottom side Potters Bar next Saturday.

Rothwell Town: Smith, Brown, Spencer, Rice, Flannigan, Maddox, Boyle-Chong, Towers, Tolton, Jenkins, Brooks. Subs (not used): Capps, Wright, Haughton

Sittingbourne: Williams, Ashmoor, Rowley, Ainsworth, Campbell, Marsh, Neal (sub Lovell 77), Hockey, Sherwood (sub Price 47), Spice, Browning (sub Spiller 68). Subs (not used): Taylor, Knowles.

Goals: Maddox (32 mins)

Bookings: Campbell, Towers, Spencer (all fouls), Hockey (entering the field of play without the referee's permission)

Att: 114

Referee: Mr P Forrester