Birthday boys blown away by away day welcome!

If John and Peter Pitts weren't such Sittingbourne stalwarts, they'd probably be transferring their allegiance to Ryman South rivals Guernsey this week after the birthday surprise their hosts had waiting for them in the Channel Islands on Easter Saturday.

Knowing the twins were celebrating their 66th birthday, officials at Footes Lanes presented them with a specially baked jam and sponge birthday cake decorated with footballs and the Brickies badge when they arrived at the ground, pictured.

Peter Pitts, the club's assistant secretary and communications guru behind their matchday programme, website and Twitter account, said the brothers were touched but not surprised by the efforts of their hosts after the reception they'd received on previous visits to play the Green Lions.

In fact, Peter, who's been involved at the Kent club since 1996 with his twin who is Sittingbourne's secretary, matchday secretary and treasurer, reckons they were so overwhelmed by the gesture that they almost forgot about their reverse of the pitch!

He said: "Their hospitality has always been second to none and we love going over there. It was a wonderful gesture that almost, but not quite, erased the memory of a 3-0 defeat!

"The support of their home crowd makes for a rousing atmosphere and they are a great club and addition to the Ryman League. We already looked forward to going there every year and after this we can't wait to go back again as well as welcoming them when they are over next to visit us."

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