Legendary defender Matt Bourne is still part of basement boys Faversham’s plans.

The veteran centre-half is the club’s record appearance-maker by some distance since they reformed in 2005 but he hasn’t started since mid-November and wasn’t in the squad on Boxing Day for their 3-0 Isthmian South East loss at his old club Ashford.

Instead, Bourne played for Southern Counties East Premier Division Phoenix Sports, heading in during a 3-0 win over Welling Town as part of a dual-registration agreement. But he is still expected to be involved in the Lilywhites’ relegation fight.

Assistant manager Darren Beale said: “We felt that Matt needed some minutes.

“He hadn’t had a lot of minutes with the previous manager [Simon Austin] for whatever reason. We felt it was the right time for him to get some minutes before we bring him back.

“But certainly moving forward, we hope Matt Bourne will be part of the team.”

Town returned to action for the first time in more than three weeks as they were beaten at Homelands in manager Sammy Moore’s second competitive contest in charge.

Beale reflected: “Obviously it was the second game that we have had, with quite a bit of time in between.

“We were limited on what we could do with the snow and the ice in between.

“It was another day to have a look at the new players that we’ve brought in, how they are gelling with some of the players that have already been there. Not well enough is the answer, based around that.

“There’s still plenty to work on and still lots of change needed in the way we play, as well as possibly bringing more personnel in.

“We were not really happy with the result or the performance.”

Striker Gary Lockyer gave Ashford a half-time lead before Danny Parish and Toby Ajala also netted.

Beale said: “We had a couple of chances in the first half and it’s the same old thing. If you take those chances, then it’s potentially a different outcome, especially when the side is low on confidence.

“Going in 1-0 down at half-time, we felt very much in the game. We didn’t play too badly in the second half but individual mistakes have cost us the game.

"I don’t think there’s a lot between the sides but they were clinical.

“They have been playing together for some time and have some decent players in defence and in attack.

“You just need to look at the experience they have got with Liam Friend and Ben Gorham they have brought in. Attacking-wise, with Gary Lockyer, Johan Ter Horst and Parish, there’s a lot of experience going forward.

“It’s not going to happen overnight for us, as much as we want it to. It’s something that is going to take time and we’ll be training on Thursday night, working on some of the things we highlighted to take into the Hythe game.

"Hopefully we can get things right.”

Winger Alex Addai has signed for Faversham on loan from rivals Sittingbourne for the rest of the season, although the deal wasn’t completed in time for the ex-Cheltenham and Torquay man to be involved at Ashford.

Beale said: “He’s going to bring in that experience.

“He has been around and played for some good teams. He’s someone that can bring a little bit more of a goal threat.

“At the moment, it seems a little bit weighted on Zak Ansah. If we’re honest, we’re looking to recruit right the way through the spine. We’re missing that experience at the moment that can help.

“We brought in a little bit more experience in the likes of Frazer Shaw but Alex will give that and certainly a little bit more in the final third.”

Faversham will face Hythe on Monday at Salters Lane.

Beale said: “We watched them a little while ago against Sheppey.

“They’re going to be a tough nut to crack, they’ll be similar to Ashford in the way they play.

“Steve Watt is a good manager. He puts good sides together.

"It’s going to be a hard game but another game where we can learn a little bit more about the team.”

Midfielders Helge Orome and Harrison Carnegie have left for Haringey and Bowers, respectively.