Home   Sittingbourne   Sport   Article

Goalkeeper Roco Rees tells how he played in Sittingbourne’s FA Trophy victory at Southend after receiving a message on Twitter

Goalkeeper Roco Rees helped Sittingbourne reach the FA Trophy quarter-finals on his Brickies debut - following an approach on social media.

Rees was a surprise name on the teamsheet for the Brickies’ last-16 tie at Southend on Saturday, with fellow keepers Harley Earle - just back from injury - and James Batt on the bench.

Roco Rees keeps Southend at bay on his Sittingbourne debut. Picture: Ian Scammell
Roco Rees keeps Southend at bay on his Sittingbourne debut. Picture: Ian Scammell

The former Worthing man received a message on Twitter asking if he’d be interested in a game.

There was no way the 23-year-old, who returned to the UK at Christmas after a spell with Finnish club AC Oulu, was going to turn down the opportunity.

He hadn’t played for months but kept a clean sheet as the Brickies won 1-0 at Roots Hall to move within two rounds of Wembley.

“I had a message off one of the non-league Twitter pages and he just said we’re looking for a keeper to come in for a massive game next week,” said Rees.

“It was a no-brainer for me, with the size of the game for the club. They put me in contact with the gaffer (Ryan Maxwell) and he called me.

“I was out of contract at Worthing last summer, so I wasn’t playing, and then I signed for a team in Finland but came home at Christmas and this is my first game in six or seven months.

“I’ve been training and been in the gym every day, staying fit and waiting for a chance to play.

“This came up and it was a good chance to get out there.

“It’s what I’m used to. It’s like riding a bike. Once you get back into it, it’s easy.”

Rees met the squad for the first time at training and was soon made to feel welcome.

Debutant keeper Roco Rees on his way to a clean sheet in Sittingbourne’s FA Trophy win at Southend. Picture: Ian Scammell
Debutant keeper Roco Rees on his way to a clean sheet in Sittingbourne’s FA Trophy win at Southend. Picture: Ian Scammell

View Ian Scammell’s full Southend v Sittingbourne gallery, where pictures are also available for purchase, by clicking here

He played his part at Roots Hall, including a super second-half save from a Ben Goodliffe header before racing to join the celebrations after Anthony Church’s injury-time winner sank the National League Shrimpers.

“It’s an amazing group,” he said. “You can just tell.

“They wouldn’t be here if they weren’t such a tight-knit group, so it’s been easy to settle in.

“They make you feel welcome and the gaffer’s great.

“It was a great feeling to see that goal go in.

“It was the fastest I’ve ever sprinted up the pitch, so that says it all.”

Speaking after the tie, Rees was unsure whether it would be a one-off appearance.

But with a home quarter-final to come against Aldershot next month, he’d surely love to stay involved.

“We’ll have to see what happens,” he said. “They’ll have another really good tie next, so we’ll see. I’ll speak to the gaffer.”

Sittingbourne return to Isthmian South East action at Erith Town tonight (7.45pm).

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More