Nathan Wood delivered a long-awaited first Faversham goal of the season in their big win over play-off rivals Corinthian on Saturday.

He broke the deadlock in the Lilywhites’ 4-0 home victory as they moved another step closer to securing a top-five Southern Counties East Premier Division finish.

Wood saw his first shot saved by keeper Nathan Boamah in the seventh minute but followed up to convert.

Now 24, the midfielder had netted four times at the start of last term before he left for National League South Tonbridge.

He has struggled to find the same goal-scoring touch since he rejoined Town last November.

“That’s all he needed,” said Faversham manager Tommy Warrilow.

“Woody works tirelessly, creates loads of stuff, and he’s an excellent footballer.

“Unfortunately, he’s not had much luck in front of goal.

“He deserves that. Hopefully, it’s a monkey off his back.

“He’s been outstanding since we have been here. We know what he brings to the side.

“If he can chip in with some more goals, that’ll be a real benefit.”

Captain Connor Essam doubled Faversham’s lead in front of a crowd of 391 before half-time while 33-goal top scorer Stefan Payne added his latest brace - the second a stoppage-time penalty after midfielder Billy Bennett had been fouled - either side of Corinthian defender Sam Fitzgerald being dismissed for a second caution.

Essam’s goal came after Corinthian failed to effectively clear a long throw.

Warrilow said: “There’s nothing wrong with it.

“At the highest level, you see it used, so why not? When you cash in on it, it’s rewarding.

“I’m pleased Payney got his two goals because he worked hard again.

“Daniel Thompson has come in and people might not realise what he brings to the side.

“Having another big lad, that means teams are keeping an eye on him and that gives Payney more room to venture into.

“Even though Thommo might not be on the ball, we know what he brings for Payney and, also, the midfield runners.”

With only four league games left, the result moved fourth-placed Faversham to within
two points of Corinthian - before they beat Rusthall on Wednesday night - and three points adrift of second-placed Glebe, having played a game less than them.

Warrilow reflected: “That’s a great result and sends a message out.

“We’re still chomping away at the bit. It’s still tight up there, all we can do is beat the side that’s in front of us.

“We could have done a few things a bit better but, after winning 4-0, I’m not going to come off and start picking any negatives out!”

Faversham, who left out striker Warren Mfula against Corinthian due to injury and only brought winger Kieron Campbell off the substitutes’ bench on his return from suspension, will host Snodland this Saturday.

They then visit Tunbridge Wells two days later when Payne will come up against the division’s second top scorer Trevor McCreadie.

“Wozza has got a knee injury,” revealed Warrilow. “That was why he wasn’t involved last Monday or on Saturday.

“With KC, I couldn’t really change it after Monday. It was such a good performance and he understood that.

“We have got to look at a few things because we have got two games in three days so I’m sure the squad will get tested then.

“There’s four to go. We just need to keep chalking them off.”

Defenders Matt Newman and Ben Gorham will complete suspensions against Snodland before they come back into contention for the trip to Tunbridge Wells.