Striker Stefan Payne was told upon signing for Faversham he could bag 40 goals this season by manager Sammy Moore - and finds himself halfway there already!

Payne is the Southern Counties East Premier Division’s top scorer, having joined the Lilywhites in September.

The experienced 32-year-old’s now on 20 goals from as many appearances after he netted in last weekend’s 2-0 victory against VCD at Salters Lane.

“When we signed him, I said he would get 40 goals in this league,” said Moore. “He’s halfway there already.

“He’s not just unbelievable on the field. He does a lot of work for us off it, as well. He’s a real winner and a real leader.

“For the goal on Saturday, there was great combination play between him and Woody (Nathan Wood) and, if he gets the chances, he’s going to score. I’m delighted for him.

“When you have goalscorers in that form, they might not be at it all game - but they pop up when you need them.

“He could break any targets we set him if he gets the service, to be honest.”

The Lilywhites remain in top spot after the VCD win, with an own goal adding to their tally.

Moore reflected: “It was a really professional performance on Saturday with a depleted squad.

“We had four or five players not available and had to play players in positions they’re not familiar with - but they were brilliant.

“That’s three wins on the bounce. We’re starting to get the momentum back again.”

Faversham gave a debut to Rahman Kareem against VCD.

Defender Kareem caught the eye as former club Lordswood held Town to a goalless league draw last month and swiftly followed that up by knocking Faversham out of the Kent Senior Trophy - with Kareem netting at Salters Lane in a 2-0 triumph.

Moore, who even brought himself on against VCD, said: “We have had injuries and the squad is sort of depleted, so we need bodies at the minute. That’s the reason I came on.

“We really liked Rahman when he played against us. There’s not many full-backs in this league that can keep KC (Kieron Campbell) quiet but, to be fair, in both games, he did that. He’s hungry and wants to get better.

“That’s the sort of player we want. For him to come in - not knowing any lads or any systems we play - I thought he did brilliantly.

“If we got our noses in front, I thought my experience could help see it out. That’s what happened.

“It’s all about results now. Around Christmas time, it’s about picking up points.

“When we have had setbacks, every time we have always responded well as a group.

“The dressing room is really good. We just have to keep our focus.”

Moore’s men visit second-placed Glebe this Saturday.

“The table doesn’t lie,” admitted Moore.

“They have had a good start to the season and have some good players. We have had them watched. They like to play with the ball.

“Jamie Philpot is a proven scorer at this level and the level above, so we know we’re going to be in for a tough game.

“We know they are at home and will want to put on a show but we have a coachload of supporters going.

“If we bring our A-game, then I think they will be more worried about us. For us to do that, one to 11 is going to have to be really focused.

“We’re looking forward to the game. It’s one that you want to be involved in.”

Experienced defender Josh Vincent has returned from injury and midfielder Sam Hasler is back from a lengthy suspension.

Fit-again centre-half Ollie Gray has signed for Hythe on a dual-registration basis while winger Ashley Miller and midfielder Billy Bingham have hamstring problems.

“We have got JV back,” noted Moore. “He will have a training session this week and he’s really important for us.

“Sam Hasler is back from suspension for Saturday and that’s another big boost.

“Billy Bingham and Ashley Miller have got hamstring injuries. I think Saturday might come too soon for them - but we will see.

“Ollie Gray has gone on dual registration to Hythe to get games. He has just come back from a back injury.

“Having been there before, he feels he will be comfortable at Hythe. He doesn’t want to leave. He wants to go and get games.

“Once he is fit and back to his best, he’ll be back with us.”

Faversham have appointed a full-time chief operations officer with Gillie-Anne Johnson set to begin the role from 2024. Former goalkeeper and coach Scott Davenport has been added to the board as well.

They have been drawn away to Corinthian in the Challenge Cup Quarter-Final.