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Sittingbourne manager Aslan Odev gets tough after their fourth red card this season

Aslan Odev is determined to get a grip on Sittingbourne's disciplinary record after a spate of red cards.

Dan Parkinson became the fourth Brickies player to be sent off this season after a clash with Whitstable's James Morrish on Saturday.

Parkinson reacted to something Morrish said, following a foul by the Town midfielder, and both saw red after players piled in.

Sittingbourne manager Aslan Odev Picture: John Westhrop
Sittingbourne manager Aslan Odev Picture: John Westhrop

Brickies boss Odev said: "It was quite provocative from the Whitstable player.

"He said something that wasn't very nice at all and unfortunately Dan has been ruled by emotion in the moment.

"It sparked up again once they'd been sent off and it wasn't nice to see.

"I've made it very, very clear to the fans and the board and the players, especially Dan Parkinson, that it's not acceptable.

"He's apologised - he knows it wasn't good."

Ira Jackson, Tommie Fagg and Gil Carvalho have also seen red this season.

Odev said: "It's an immaturity and naivety from the players but we've also been unlucky.

"Ira's maybe wasn't a red card, Tommie Fagg was ruled by emotion and all Gil wanted to do was go out and give everything for the club.

"Unfortunately he's done it in a way where he's tackled rashly but there was no malice or intent."

Sittingbourne gave a debut to goalkeeper Matt Funnell in their 2-1 defeat by Whitstable.

Sittingbourne midfielder Dan Parkinson Picture: John Westhrop
Sittingbourne midfielder Dan Parkinson Picture: John Westhrop

Odev dropped Patrick Lee after his two mistakes at Hythe and feels the competition will do him good.

Funnell came through Crystal Palace's academy and was released by Maidstone this season.

Odev said: "I'm a big believer that you can still learn and become a better footballer from watching.

"Patrick's been brilliant for us this season but I've had a good chat with him and he knows recent performances haven't been up to our standards or his.

"Matt came in and did well on Saturday and it's good to have that competition.

"I don't have a favourite. We're fortunate to have two keepers who are as good as any in the division and they're both fully committed to Sittingbourne."

Brickies are looking for a first win in seven Bostik South East games when they host struggling Three Bridges this Saturday.

Odev said: "We're taking things three games at a time and setting targets for the players, both individually and as a team.

"We didn't get anything against Whitstable so it's about making sure we stay focused for Three Bridges."

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