by Andrew Gidley

Sittingbourne boss Gary Abbott hopes that lightning doesn’t strike twice as the club aim to make the Ryman League Division 1 South play-offs.

Last season the Brickies missed out by just six points, after winning only three of their final nine games and Abbott admits: "I hope it doesn’t finish the same way and I will be devastated if we don’t make it this time.

"We are probably looking at fifth place and feel we are good enough to get there."

Sittingbourne’s busy schedule as second-placed Worthing arrive at Bourne Park on Saturday.

Top scorer Hicham Akhazzan grabbed his 26th goal of the season and Nick Reeves got the other in the 2-1 win at Whyteleafe on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Abbott (pictured) fears defender Joe Horlock could face a lengthy suspension after being sent-off at Eastbourne last week following an incident involving a home supporter as he attempted to retrieve the ball.

Horlock already faces a three-match ban for violent conduct but the club are still waiting to see the referee’s report.

Keeper Deren Ibrahim faces a one-match ban after being sent-off at Leatherhead last Saturday.