Jim Ward has signed three Sittingbourne Academy youngsters on Ryman League forms ahead of the new season.

The Brickies boss included centre half Jack Sayer in the senior side that beat the youngsters 7-0 in a friendly at Bourne Park on Saturday, with Codie Dean and Liam Stone added to the squad after the game.

Bradley Spice, Tom Loynes and Joe Nwoko scored two each with Elie Kayembe getting the other.

Ward (pictured) said: "I have been impressed with all the Academy lads, their attitude and the way they go about things. They are a real credit to their teachers at the Community College.

"Codie is a bulldog of a centre forward who reminds me of Shaun Welford (now at Maidstone), while Liam can play as a winger or in midfield,"

Ward added: "I am pleased with the way things are going.

"We are playing a formation and a system which is new to me and the lads but they are adapting well.

"We haven’t really kicked a ball in anger yet and not worked on any set-peices, only fitness."

Bourne were due to face Milton & Fulston in a friendly last night (Tuesday), ahead of a trip to Kent League Charity Shield winners VCD on Saturday.