Sheppey Rugby Club coach Peter Olliver has told his players that they must "keep in touch" with the Kent 1 leaders as the Christmas break approaches.

Although Olliver’s side are still nine points behind leaders Sittingbourne after last Saturday’s 20-10 win at New Ash Green, they have a game in hand and the two sides will meet in their final match before the three-week Christmas break at Sittingbourne on December 18.

Olliver said: "That will be a big game to end our year and I have told the players it’s important we keep in touch with Sittingbourne and second-placed Ashford over the next few weeks."

Olliver felt his side let New Ash Green off the hook last Saturday after building a 17-3 half-time lead, although he added: "We should have been awarded a penalty try in the closing stages, which would have made the final scoreline a fairer reflection of the game."

Olliver, who officially retired from playing at the end of last season, was again pressed into action last Saturday because of an injury to Chris Bain.

But the in-form winger, who scored a hat-trick of tries in both his two previous matches, is expected to play this Saturday at home to HSBC after recovering from a pulled stomach muscle.

Martin Robinson will resume his normal fly-half duties after playing in the centre against New Ash Green while Dylan Davies will make his first start at No.8 after recovering from a broken leg.