Joe Dowley wants Sittingbourne to survive in the Ryman League on their own efforts rather than other results go their way.

The Sittingbourne boss believes a six-point gap over relegation rivals Whyteleafe and Burgess Hill with three games left should be enough.

But Dowley (pictured) admitted: "I don't want to curse it but I think one more win will see us safe. We want to do it ourselves, though and not rely on other people.

"I expected Whyteleafe to beat Merstham (they lost 3-2 at home) on Monday as they have been on a good run lately and both they and Burgess Hill still have tough games themselves in the run-in."

Brickies head to play-off contenders Folkestone on Saturday and Dowley said: "It will be another tough game for us as they are going well themselves."

He is likely to hand the skipper's armband to Joe Goldsmith as captain Anthony Hogg misses the game for family reasons.

Keeper Adam Woodward is set to have more treatment on his foot injury this week after being hurt at Bognor. It had made Woodward a doubt for the 2-2 Easter Monday draw with Faversham.

With the club's other keeper Matt Reed also sidelined with a back injury, Sittingbourne contacted the Ryman League seeking permission to make an emergency loan signing, with former Brickies man Kevin Fewell lined up as a possible replacement.