Sittingbourne players have been praised for turning around the club’s disciplinary record.

Twice last season Bourne were called before the FA as they finished with 12 red cards, 86 bookings and three misconduct charges.

But only one player has been sent off since Matt Wyatt and Nick Davis took charge last September – keeper Adam Molloy in an FA Cup game.

Wyatt said: “We’ve tried to talk to the players in a manner we feel will educate them. We explained that we want everyone on the pitch and how it may have been all the suspensions that cost them a play-off place last season.

“Dissent was a big problem but I’ve learned quickly in management that you’ll never get a referee to change his mind.

“I’ve no problem with someone getting booked if it’s a genuine attempt to win the ball or they’re done by a great bit of skill. What we can’t have is players back-chatting referees.

“They’ve listened to what me and Nick have had to say and all credit to them because they’re the ones who’ve turned it around.”

Sittingbourne are due to host Redhill at Woodstock Park on Saturday.