Manager Aslan Odev got tough with his players as Sittingbourne ended a seven-match losing streak in spectacular fashion.

Bourne thumped Sevenoaks 4-1 in Bostik South East on Saturday after Odev employed a different approach before the game.

He said: "The team-talk was a little more stern than it would normally be.

"I wanted us to set the tone as early as possible and I pointed out that when a wounded animal is backed into a corner, it comes out fighting

"That's the message I conveyed to them.

"To be more stern is one of those things I've had to add to my tool belt because I've spent the majority of my coaching career in academy and youth football."

Odev sparked a reaction as goals from Tom Loynes and Ben Fitchett gave Bourne a 2-0 lead inside seven minutes.

David Smith made it three and Gil Carvalho completed the scoring after Sevenoaks pulled a goal back.

Odev said: "The players were relieved.

"There was a lot of celebrating after the game because they knew how much the win meant to me and the coaching staff and all the fans but now it's important we look ahead.

"For me, it was maybe relief but with the hard work we put in, it was just nice to see it come to fruition.

"It's very important that the fans see the team doing well and the board are happy as well."

Sittingbourne host VCD in a rearranged league game tonight.