A superb 2-0 win over title-chasing Whitehawk on Saturday should act as a catalyst for a top-half push in Ryman League Division 1 South, according to Brickies boss Joe Dowley.

The big-spending Brighton side – who sat second in the table – were swept aside at Bourne Park as Sittingbourne recorded their first win in seven games, having failed to score in five of the previous six.

Dowley (pictured) said: "It was a fantastic result and sets us up nicely for the next few games. We have Walton Casuals next and Whitstable after that and to be honest they are two games we are looking to win.

"If we can do that then that’s three wins on the spin and we’re on a nice little run.

"We don’t want to be looking over our shoulder at the bottom of the table at any point, so if we can put a bit of space between ourselves and the bottom then we can start looking up at the top-half."

Meanwhile, Dowley hopes to secure a deal for a new centre-back in time for Saturday’s trip to Walton Casuals.

The unnamed player – who has been playing for another Division 1 South side – could replace the suspended Jon Hogg at the back.

Dowley said: "We needed somebody in with Jon being suspended at the weekend and Bryan Glover suspended for the following game."