Ryan Maxwell has no intention of making up the numbers when Sittingbourne go to Southend in the FA Trophy next month.

The Brickies are still on a high after landing a plum trip to Roots Hall to face the former Championship club in last week’s fifth-round draw.

The February 1 tie is set to be the biggest game in Sittingbourne’s history, having reached the last 16 of the Trophy for the first time.

It’s captured the imagination of everyone connected to the club, with more than 500 tickets already snapped up by Brickies fans.

But there’s also a game to win and boss Maxwell will be doing everything he can to pull off a major upset against the National League outfit.

“It’s the dream for the club to get Southend away,” said Maxwell.

“It’s going to be a very nice earner for the club.

“I’m so pleased, and it couldn’t happen to a nice bunch of people.

“They’re great people, they’ve worked so hard, for so long, and now they’re getting their day in the sun.

“I’m just delighted for them after all their hard work to get a reward financially to ease the strain and it’s something I know will be put to good use.

“I’m also delighted for the fans. What a great day out. It’s not a million miles away and I know there’s going to be a ton of Brickies who travel to the game.

“It’s going to be a fantastic day and they’re going to enjoy rivalling Southend’s fans.

“From a manager’s point of view, I have to focus on the actual match itself.

“We’re more than underdogs, there’s three leagues between us and full-time status, so the gulf is huge.

“But I believe in this team, there’s no doubt about it, we can cause an upset.

“Certain things will have to be factored in, of course.

“We’ll have to have our best day but I believe in this squad and the ability that’s in it.

“We are very respectful, we know where we’re at in comparison to Southend but that doesn’t mean we’re not confident.

“We’re quietly confident, we know what we’re capable of but I have to emphasise we’ve got to enjoy it because it could be a one-off journey that these players are going through right now.”

Southend twice reached the second tier of English football, most recently in 2006, but they’re in non-league these days after a series of well-documented off-field problems.

It’s their third season in the National League under Kevin Maher, who went to the same school as Maxwell in Essex, but they remain a big name.

“They’re heavily-supported, a big club, a Championship club not that long ago,” said Maxwell.

“I know Kevin, the manager, reasonably well.

“He went to my school, although he’s a good bit older than me.

“He’s done a fantastic job there, managing many different moving parts, and he’s still got a very competitive squad.

“It’s the biggest draw we could have got.

“We’ve got what we maybe earned out of our previous results.

“We’ve earned our day in the sun and a few quid in the bank but that doesn’t mean we’re going there for entertainment purposes.

“I’m going there to win, not to have a nice day out.

“I’m going there with a plan and my plan is to win the game.”

Sittingbourne have already earned £22,700 in prize money after winning seven ties, including five against higher-league opposition.

There’s another £6,000 on offer at Roots Hall, while the losers take £1,500, and the Brickies can also look forward to their share of the gate money.

“I could do with an extension!” said Maxwell, when asked what the club will do with their earnings.

“On a serious note, I know the people at the club and every penny will be put towards improvements in some way, shape or form, and hopefully some will be used to bolster the squad if I felt the need.

“Right now, I’m very happy with the squad, they’re doing extremely well, but you never know in football.

“It only takes a player to pick up an injury and you’re looking to bring somebody in and it may take you over budget.

“This extra money means we wouldn’t go over budget because it would be factored in, so I’ve already been told if I did need any money, I would have some at my disposal.

“Again, the people at the club are very supportive and that’s why I love working for them.”

Southend talk has now been banned among the squad, with important league games to play the Trophy tie.

They host Lancing this Saturday (3pm) and East Grinstead on Tuesday (7.45pm).

“The players are focused on the league,” said Maxwell, who spoke out after last night’s match at Margate was postponed.

“I have a mannerism that doesn’t allow them to take their foot off the gas and look too far ahead.

“It’s feet-on-the-ground and head-down attitude.

“Those foundations were put in place in June and the players know they don’t get much change out of me in terms of that.

“I have put a ban on mentioning the Southend game.

“It’s a fine if I hear anybody say ‘Southend’ and they know I mean it. We can’t afford to be distracted.

“The hard yards and the work we’ve put in to get to this point will be flushed down to the toilet if we take our eye off the ball now.”

Sittingbourne’s game at Erith last Saturday was postponed due to a frozen pitch.