by Andrew Gidley

Sittingbourne boss Gary Abbott blamed his defenders for the 5-1 defeat at Hythe on Tuesday, and admits they are already feeling the loss of Matt Bourne.

The Brickies were 3-0 down inside the first half-hour at Reachfields and Abbott stormed: "We didn’t perform at the back, there was no aggression and not enough commitment.

"We started off really well in midfield and up front, but one ball into our box and they scored. There was also nobody was within five yards of marking Brendon Cass either.

"I wish my players had held their hands up, admitting they were to blame, but all they seemed to do was pass the buck."

He added: "I am trying to get another centre-half in, but it’s really hard."

Abbott, pictured, also has to decide who starts the season in goal, after plans to sign Tony Kessell fell through. Former England under-19 international Adam Molloy played at Hythe, but Abbott is talking to coach Steve Williams and is "80 per cent" certain he will agree to play.

Dartford boss Tony Burman has also done Sittingbourne a favour by allowing him to use youngsters Jack Pallen, who scored at Hythe, and Danny Palfrey on a game-by-game basis with an immediate call back.

Abbott has postponed tomorrow’s (Saturday) friendly against Leyton, and will have his players in for training instead. Sittingbourne travel to Carshalton on Tuesday.