Gary Abbott rued the absence of on-loan midfielder Paul Semakula after Sittingbourne were beaten by Burgess Hill last weekend – but remains confident his return can spark Bourne back into life.

Semakula has put in several impressive performances since signing a loan deal from Tonbridge Angels.

However, he missed out against Burgess Hill through illness, although he is set to return for Saturday's home clash with Chipstead.

"Paul’s been magnificent," said Abbott (pictured). "He doesn’t stop running and he’s got a massive engine on him.

"One player doesn’t make a team but you’re always going to miss a player like that."

Abbott added: "We had a training game in midweek against the under-18s and he was back to his normal self, charging around and he looked like he’d never been away. He’ll be back for Chipstead."

Joe Horlock is a doubt for the game but Abbott otherwise has a fully-fit squad to choose from.

However, movements to extend that squad are on hold.

"I’m talking to a striker but he’s at another club and wants to wait six weeks," he said. If we can get him after that then great but we’re on the edge of our budget."