4 hours Ago By [email protected] (Craig Tucker)
Sittingbourne striker Ade Azeez is through to another play-off final - having experienced both sides of the coin at Wembley. Azeez scored twice in the Brickies’ 4-2 Isthmian South East semi-final win over Merstham on Tuesday night. Victory set up a meeting with Burgess Hill at Woodstock on Friday (7.
45pm) for a place in the Isthmian Premier. Azeez came off the bench at Wembley as AFC Wimbledon beat Plymouth 2-0 in the 2016 League 2 play-off final. He won the penalty for the crucial second goal, scored by ex-Gills striker Adebayo Akinfenwa, in front of 58,000 fans.
There was disappointment in his second League 2 final three years later when Newport lost 1-0 to Tranmere, with Azeez this time an unused substitute. The on-loan Billericay forward knows all about the play-offs and feels Sittingbourne must be themselves against Burgess Hill. “We’re always talking in the changing room, especially with the younger boys, about playing the game and not the occasion,” said Azeez, 31.
“That’s the biggest advice I could give. Don’t change what you’ve done all season to get you to this point. “It’s going to be a tough game against Burgess Hill.
“No disrespect to Merstham but they’re quite direct, which I think suits us, but Burgess Hill like to play. “I’m sure we’ll look at their strengths and see how we can combat that but as long as we do what we do and stick to the plan, knowing what got us here, we’ve got a good chance.” Play-off success would be the perfect end to the season for Azeez after battling back from a long-term knee injury.
He was out for almost a year after suffering the injury in December 2023. The forward made a handful of appearances for Billericay after regaining fitness but needed regular football to step up his recovery. A loan move to Sittingbourne followed in February, initially for a month, but it was soon extended to the end of the season, meaning he was available for the play-offs.
He’s loving his time with the Brickies under Ryan Maxwell and his coaching team of Reece Prestedge and Billy McMahon. “When I had my injury, I always prayed to God and I knew there would be a plan,” said Azeez. “I just had trust him.
To start the season in the way I did, with an injury, I was hungry to come back and make an impact. “At the time I thought it would be at Billericay. “Things didn’t work out but I knew God had a plan and I thank God.
“I managed to come down to Sittingbourne and when I knew there was interest, I wanted to come here, I knew there was something special down here. “I wanted to make an impact and get this club promoted - it’s what the fans deserve. “There were a few clubs in for me but there was something in my heart, I think it was God telling me that’s the club you need to go to, and I’m buzzing that I did.
“When I spoke to Maxy on the phone, one conversation, and I knew this was the place I wanted to come. “I think the way he makes you feel as a player is a super-power. “Tactically, he knows what he wants and the way he puts his message across, everyone is on the same wavelength.
“He’ll let you know if you’re not pulling your weight or not doing the right things, and rightly so, but when you are doing well he lets you know as well, which some managers don’t do. “His man-management is excellent and I have to give Prez and Bill their flowers as well. They’ve been great.
” Strike partner Mitchell May scored one made one for Ryan Kingsford against Merstham before Azeez made it 3-0. He struck again in a frantic finale after Merstham replied and there was just enough time for the visitors to grab a second. “I know it’s a cliche but 2-0 is a dangerous lead,” said Azeez.
“That’s why killing the game and getting the third and fourth goal is so important in football. “If we won’t do that, it can end up as a 2-2 game. “Killing the game was a relief for everyone but the job’s not done yet, so we need to keep pushing on.
” Sittingbourne and Burgess Hill finished second and third respectively in Isthmian South East. Azeez scored against them in a 1-1 draw at Woodstock on Good Friday, while Kingsford and Troy Howard struck in a 2-0 Brickies win last October. Their league positions make it a fitting final in the fight to follow champions Ramsgate up to the Isthmian Premier.
“Over the course of the season, the two teams that have done the hard work and achieved the most points, it’s no coincidence they’re in the final,” said Azeez. “I’m sure it’s going to be a good spectacle. “They’ve got many strengths but we’ll have to try and exploit their weaknesses and hopefully get promoted.
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