Simon Austin has quickly rediscovered his buzz and is now looking forward to every match after a tough start at Faversham.

Having watched his new charges beat league rivals Ramsgate 2-1 in the Velocity Cup in his first match, the Lilywhites returned to Isthmian South East action with a bump - losing 4-1 at Burgess Hill and 6-1 at Whitehawk - before being defeated 5-0 in the Velocity Cup at Folkestone.

But several new recruits made a positive impression in Austin’s first home game in charge at the weekend as they beat East Grinstead 3-1.

Despite a 2-1 loss on Tuesday to Sevenoaks, things are looking better for the basement boys ahead of their trip to VCD on Saturday.

“It’s going to be a tough game,” said Town boss Austin. “They’re just outside the play-offs.

“But I’m in a position now where I’m comfortable with the squad. We are going to get better.

“I’m looking forward to every game, which probably, for the first couple of games, wasn’t the case.

“We will prepare as best we can and we’ll see what happens on Saturday.”

Austin and his new-look management team had to wait until their fifth game to take the helm at Salters Lane.

After back-to-back home matches, the Lilywhites are now back on the road, also visiting Cray Valley in the league on Tuesday night.

“It has been frustrating,” admitted Austin, who hopes to have another fresh face in the squad for the weekend.

“Saturday was fantastic and the atmosphere produced by the club and the fans was excellent. Myself, the management team and all the players appreciated it.

“We’re on the road again now but it’ll even itself out.”

Of Faversham’s plethora of new additions, midfielders Helge Orome and Harrison Carnegie found the net against East Grinstead while frontman Destiny Oladipo’s first effort for the Lilywhites proved in vain against Harry Hudson’s men.

Reflecting on the Sevenoaks loss, Austin said: “We were very pleased with the first half. I thought the shape was excellent and some of our attacking play.

“We scored a good early goal and created some other opportunities. If we go in more than 1-0 up at half-time, it’s a different second half.

"It’s pleasing how we played in the first half, considering how long some of them have been in the dressing room.

“Second half, they changed their shape and they had a lot of the ball, but they had two shots on target and scored from them. We don’t have the personnel yet to change the system.”

Amid the changes at Town, popular stalwart Matt Bourne remains and scored against East Grinstead - his first goal of the season.

Austin said: “I was pleased for him. Matt has been at the club a long time and we need to respect that.

“He’s part of the plans. I was pleased for him to get a goal on Saturday but, goal aside, his performances on Saturday and Tuesday were good.

“His biggest strength is attacking the ball in the air. There’s no reason why he shouldn’t get at least five goals a season, it’s definitely something we are working on.”

Midfielder Kieron McCann has joined Faversham from Sittingbourne but is sidelined with a broken jaw.

“It’s unfortunate that happened,” said Austin.

“He has been injured but has signed and has been involved at training and in the warm-ups. He’s a couple of weeks away from being signed off medically, but he’s a quality player and I look forward to working with him.”

Others yet to feature under Austin are Dan Carrington and former AFC Wimbledon professional James O’Halloran, who are both injured.

But Austin said: “Both are big parts of the plans, they have been around.

“James had his scan on Wednesday and Dan had his at the weekend. Once we know the extent of their injuries, we can see when we can get them involved.

“But it’s good to keep them involved.”