Midfielder Luke Woodward is an example for everyone to follow at Sittingbourne.

Woodward, a summer signing from Brightlingsea Regent, has been in terrific form in recent weeks since winning back his place in the side.

He turned out for Essex club Saffron Walden on dual-registration while out of the Brickies team and has returned a man on a mission.

“Lukey’s been brilliant in the last few games,” said Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell.

“He’s back in the team and his attitude has been absolutely fantastic.

“He even went and played a game for Saffron Walden to get match fitness not long ago and then I put him back in.

“He’s a real example of someone showing a great attitude and staying match-ready and match-fit and he's taken his chance remarkably well.

“All the players would say how well he’s done these past few games.

“This is what I’ve said to all of them - if you find yourself getting a game elsewhere, if you’re called upon, you’ve got to be ready.

“We’ve got another one out at Saffron Walden and a couple at Stansted and I hope by seeing Lukey come back and play so well, stay in the team and be so influential, they can see the sincerity in what we’re saying.

“That is, if you do find yourself not playing, be ready because you may be called upon and when you are called upon, make sure you take your chance.

“Lukey Woodward has certainly done that.”

Woodward came to Maxwell’s attention last season playing for Brightlingsea at Billericay.

It was shortly before the Northern Irishman took charge at Sittingbourne.

Maxwell said: “I watched him in a game at Billericay and he was excellent.

“He was really dominant in there, energetic, and in my head I thought if I went to a level that suited him, I would sign him - and I did.

“He was previously at White Ensign as a forward and he scored lots of goals for them.

“He’s in his early 30s now and he’s ageing really well. He trains every day and looks after himself.”

Sittingbourne’s top-of-the-table Isthmian South East game away to Chichester on Saturday was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

With no league game this weekend, due to opponents Hythe’s FA Trophy commitments, the Brickies host Holmesdale in a friendly instead.

“I think we need a game having not played last weekend,” said Maxwell.

“We’re OK on the injury front, so it’s not a case of needing to protect the squad.

“Everyone’s fit and ready to go, except for Alex Bentley.”

Brickies kitman Kieran Byrne is back home following surgery to remove a brain tumour.

He’d been in a London hospital since his diagnosis in August.

The club have raised £1,300 to support his recovery, a total boosted by away fans including the Herne Bay Supporters’ Trust.

“We love Kieran,” said Maxwell. “It’s affected everybody at the club to see what he’s having to go through and we’ve missed him dearly.

“His love for Sittingbourne has never wavered.

“He’s been in contact the whole time and everyone has their fingers crossed he comes through and makes a full recovery and will be back at the club supporting Sittingbourne for many, many years to come.

“We’re delighted we could help raise some money for him.”