The Isthmian South East play-offs are looking like the likely destination for Sittingbourne - and manager Ryan Maxwell wants to make sure they’re ready.

Hopes of winning the league ahead of the long-time top two Ramsgate and Cray Valley appear all but over after last weekend’s 1-0 loss at home to Broadbridge Heath.

They’re were 12 points off the leaders with nine games left after the weekend action.

Maxwell added Ade Cole to the team on Saturday but that was only for one game. The Brickies boss was looking at more additions before the Isthmian League transfer deadline - at the end of this month - with midfielder Chris Regis making the move from Aveley.

“We still have a little bit of time to not just bring anyone in, we want to bring players in who fit the model and understand what they are signing for,” said Maxwell, before completing the Regis deal.

“Realistically, after Saturday's defeat, albeit not mathematically, we are looking at the play-offs now as a route for promotion rather than winning it.

“We know what we are in for, we have prepared for either, but certainly we know we'll be in the play-offs and we need to make sure we bring the right players in who know how to deal with those scenarios. It is all about preparing for it and being ready for it.”

On new arrival Regis, Maxwell said: “He’s versatile and it’s very appealing to have someone who can play in a variety of positions having had a few injuries lately.”

The Brickies were without their regular midfield pair of Luke Woodward and D’Sean Theobalds after both picked up knocks the week before.

Maxwell said: “Luke and D’Sean have been outstanding and you are going to miss two players of that quality, credit to the opposition, they worked extremely hard, defended extremely well and held on for the win and good luck to them.

“We hit the post twice in the first half, we haven’t got our noses in front, they have scored from a set-piece and hadn’t really been troubling us up until that point.

“They had something to hold onto after scoring and the writing is on the wall when you bring on Chris Harris who gets up at the far post, wins the header, beats the keeper, it’s going in, hits a divot and goes wide! That was when you know it’s not your day.”

Isthmian South East Table

The Brickies were due to visit lowly Littlehampton Town last night (Tuesday) but that game was off due to a waterlogged pitch. They travel to bottom side Beckenham Town on Saturday.

Positions aren’t a factor for Maxwell, who said: “At this stage of the season there are only a handful of teams that haven’t got anything to play for, Broadbridge are one of them and those teams are more relaxed, and play for the enjoyment of the game and can be dangerous.

“The teams near the bottom are playing for their lives. We’re all fighting for different things but everyone is fighting and there are no easy games.”