Award-winning goalkeeper Bobby Mason is living up to expectations at Sittingbourne.

Mason collected the Golden Gloves prize for November after conceding only two goals in five Isthmian South East games.

It comes after he shared the award with Ramsgate No.1 Tom Hadler in October.

Mason, a summer signing from Canvey Island, has played a vital role in the Brickies’ climb to third place.

Sittingbourne are lucky to have a player who helped his previous club to Isthmian North promotion and third place in the Isthmian Premier in successive seasons.

“Bobby’s had a very good past couple of years, hasn’t he?” said Brickies boss Ryan Maxwell.

“We were fortunate to get the opportunity to sign him.

“It was mainly because he’d heard some decent things from people who’d played for us in the past who said you should at least speak to Sittingbourne.

“At that particular time we thought the distance could be an issue (Mason lives in Essex) but he’s made it work and I think he’s got totally used to it now.

“He’s certainly been everything we hoped he’d be and more.

“He’s not just a very good goalkeeper, he’s a really good guy as well and he’s positive and he’s got experience and he passes that on.

“We were delighted to get him but we’re also really pleased with how he’s performed, particularly in the last couple of months.

“To get an accolade was great for him personally.

“He’s well aware it’s a team accolade but he has made some super saves and a couple of those clean sheets are certainly down to him.

“I’m delighted for him and long may his performances continue.”

Goalscorers make the headlines but a top-class keeper is crucial to any side.

“If I’m honest, they’re every bit as important as your striker,” said Maxwell.

“They go under the radar and you only realise how good they are when they’re not there.

“Any successful team always has a very good goalkeeper and in the main it’s about concentration levels.

“If you’ve got a good team and he’s not overly busy, then he’s got to be really focused in the moments he is called upon. I think that’s the difference.

“They can all be decent when they’re busy - some need to be busy - but it’s that focus and attention to read the game, to come and mop something up when you haven’t done anything for four or five minutes.

“As well as showing he’s good at saving a penalty, Bobby’s also shown he’s got that concentration level that you need to be a very good goalkeeper.”

Sittingbourne’s weekend game at Littlehampton was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, and last night’s trip to East Grinstead went the same way.

They host Merstham at Woodstock this Saturday (3pm).

Brickies’ home pitch is much-improved this season, helping the team’s promotion challenge.

Maxwell said: “It was one of the things we discussed in the summer in terms of what we would like to improve upon and the reasons why.

“You’ll very rarely be successful on a poor pitch and that was something we had to address as best as we possibly could.

“It is a lot more playable than it was last season so credit where credit’s due. It certainly has improved and that’s helped the team as well.

“It’s no coincidence that most top sides either play on 3G or they’ve got a great pitch.

“That’s pretty much the rule of thumb.

“It’s one less obstacle and it’s worth points on the board, there’s no doubt about that.”