The return of Tom Loynes to the Sittingbourne fold is a major boost for boss Nick Davis.

The midfielder has been missing with a hernia injury but returned off the bench
last weekend in the 3-1 defeat to VCD.

He’s been missed by the Brickies and they are thrilled to have him back.

Davis said: “To have him back in the squad was a good addition and he gives us good balance. We missed him.

"He got 13 assists and four goals this season before the injury, so he definitely adds something to us. He’s got quality with the final pass.

“It’s a dodgy injury – a hernia – so we have to be cautious but it was good to see him come off the bench on Saturday.”

The defeat to VCD was described by Davis as one of his worst in six years at the club, losing comfortably to a side well below them in Bostik South. It followed back-to-back home wins.

Davis added: “We played so well against Hastings and Guernsey, taking six points and the VCD game was the complete opposite.

“We have to go again. We have 42 points, we’re mid-table and it’s about how many points we can pick up now to finish strongly.

“We have been inconsistent, which is why we are not up there challenging with the top five
or six.”

Brickies are back at home on Saturday against Horsham, who they beat 5-1 on the road in September – a result that left them in third place.

Davis said: “They have improved since then and we know it will be tough. If we’re not on our guard and play like last weekend, then we’ll lose it.

“The players need to give myself and the club a response because we don’t want the season to peter out.”

Dan Parkinson will be out for a few weeks after getting a kick to the ear last weekend.