Young goalkeeper Lewis Briggs has been thrust into Faversham’s first-team spotlight - and his boss would have no qualms about starting him for their next 20 matches if he has to.

Under-23 player Briggs has started Town’s last three Southern Counties East Premier Division games.

Briggs had kept consecutive clean sheets and, although that record went in Saturday’s 5-2 success at Sutton Athletic, he still produced some fine saves.

Manager Sammy Moore said: “I’m really pleased for him.

“He’s taken his opportunity fantastically. It was probably sprung upon him - but that’s football.

“I told him ‘Just enjoy it and take your chance’ and, since he’s come in, he’s not looked out of place one bit. He’s made great saves at big moments.

“The two goals conceded on Saturday weren’t down to him. He has an opportunity now to stake a claim for the No.1 shirt.

“Even though he’s come through the under-23s, he looks comfortable at the level. He talks really well.

“He has real belief from the boys in front of him, who are saying how well he’s doing.

“I’m really pleased for the club that we have an under-23 starting regularly for the first team which is exactly what we want.”

Newly-signed Hafed Al-Droubi is yet to be available due to family issues around Morocco's earthquakes while Bailey Vose has departed.

He said: “Haf has had some family problems in Morocco with the earthquakes.

“That’s a personal matter and why he’s not been involved yet. But I have no worries about throwing Briggsy in for another 20 games if we have to.

“He’s done well, he’s really eager to learn, and he’s only going to get better with the more experience he has.

“We’ll have a look at the situation as we go but, at the minute, it’s Lewis’ No.1 shirt.”

A third straight brace for 32-year-old frontman Stefan Payne helped steer the Lilywhites to victory at Sutton Athletic.

“Stefan’s been outstanding,” said Moore. “I said before we signed him that he’s proven at any level.

“It’s not just his goals, it’s what he does in the build-up to the goals. He’s a top player and really good around the dressing room.

“He’s a massive player. I keep bringing him off when he’s on two but we need to protect him as well.

“He’s started absolutely fantastically and Stefan has formed a great partnership together with Warren Mfula.”

Midfielder Billy Bennett, Kieron Campbell and Mfula completed their tally.

Moore reflected: “I don’t think we played particularly well - we probably didn’t get out of first gear - but the quality we have in front of goal shone through in the chances we created.

“I was a little bit disappointed in the manner of the goals we conceded but, when you’re 4-0 up or 5-0 up, you tend to do stuff that you wouldn’t do at 0-0. But I thought our lads were outstanding.

“The mentality was fantastic. It was another really good win - and 14 goals in three games! That’s an amazing achievement for any side at any level.”

Defender Jacques Kpohomouh has joined midfielders Mo Kamara and Kieron McCann in recently leaving Town.

“I don’t have a bad word to say about them,” noted Moore.

“But when you have a squad with really high competition, and you can only pick 11, it’s hard because those players can play higher. They want to play every week.

“They don’t want to be on the bench or playing a game or two here or there.”

Experienced defender Matt Newman had been due to play some part in Thursday’s under-23s home game against Sheppey, which the home side won 5-2.

Faversham will play Kennington in the league on Tuesday night.

Their scheduled FA Vase Second Qualifying Round tie against Southern Combination Premier Division Loxwood has been postponed this Saturday.