Top scorer Chris Harris has committed his future to Sittingbourne amid interest from other clubs.

Harris has signed a contract until the end of the season in a boost to the Brickies’ Isthmian South East promotion hopes.

The nine-goal forward has overcome injury setbacks to show his class in attack.

Sittingbourne are a better side when the former Bishop’s Stortford man is playing and boss Ryan Maxwell is delighted to keep him on board.

“I’ve had a few calls regarding Chris and I made him aware of them,” said Maxwell, whose side host Sevenoaks this Saturday (3pm).

“It was more a case of making sure he felt as if his future was going to be here until the end of the season.

“It’s peace of mind for everybody that he wanted to be here and I’m absolutely delighted that he’s not just said it, he’s also shown it by signing a contract.

“He’s been injured twice and, although he’s been fantastic for us, the best of Chris is still to come.

“He’s scored goals but ultimately he’s not just a goalscorer - he’s a big part of how we play and what we do.

“He’s very well respected in this league and that’s coming from other managers.

“Personally, I think he was really wanting to enjoy his football this year, which he has, and we have stuck by him in his injured times.

“We’ve always been there to support him in any way, shape or form we possibly could.

“He’s a man proper man and we get on very well.

“He’s a man of his word, an old-school type, and I’m delighted he’s backed up his words with his actions in signing that contract.”

Goals from Ayman El-Moghaebel and Mitchell May gave third-placed Sittingbourne a 2-0 win at struggling Broadbridge Heath on Saturday.

They were good value for the win which consolidated their position in the play-off places.

Bourne, who saw last night’s game at Littlehampton postponed, are five points clear of the chasing pack outside the top five.

“It was a good all-round performance on Saturday,” said Maxwell. “Very professional, very mature - I was really pleased with how we controlled the game.

“When you’re up the top you’re expected to beat teams near the bottom but that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.

“Those games are a test of your mentality and your character.

“I’m aware there’s a gap developing to the sides outside the play-offs but I’m not looking at that.

“We approach it game by game and we know if we win our games we don’t need to worry about anyone else or what gaps there are.

“You can only control yourselves and we’re focused on getting as many points on the board as possible.

“We will still chase the top two - Ramsgate and Cray Valley - until we can’t chase them any more.”

Maxwell knows supporters will be looking at the table as Sittingbourne bid for a first promotion since 1996.

It’s been a long time and the boss can understand the excitement even though there is a long way to go.

“The fans have been fantastic and we’ll surely need them between now and the end of the season,” said Maxwell.

“You can be a victim of your own success but that’s not a bad thing. I’d rather that than the alternative, let’s put it that way.”

Maxwell, meanwhile, likes the look of new signing Joshua Snell.

The goalkeeper, a friend of Brickies No.1 Bobby Mason, was on the bench at Broadbridge after a spell training with the club.

“He’s been impressing us,” said Maxwell.

“His attitude’s been first-class and he’s shown great application.

“He’s a very capable sub to have around in case anything happens to Bobby.”