Despite having lost all three pre-season games so far, Faversham boss Ray Turner remains upbeat.

They went down against Gillingham before Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Whitstable and then a 2-0 home defeat against Margate on Tuesday night – although they were missing more than half-a-dozen regulars for the past two games.

Turner said: “I am pleased with the progression I have seen.

“We might not have seen a progression in terms of the result but in terms of our comfort level against quality sides, we have looked a lot better and (keeper) Simon Overland has barely had a save to make.

“Apart from the couple of poor goals we conceded from a defensive point of view, we matched Margate in a lot of aspects. We are getting there.

“I’m happy with where we are at this point and the direction we’re heading in before the start of the season.”

They continue their preparations with a visit to Sheppey United on Saturday (3pm) before games against Canterbury at home the following Saturday and at Waltham Abbey seven days later.

“If we are going to make mistakes and lose games, then now is the best time to do it.”

Turner expects to have a near full-strength squad for the trip to Southern Counties League East side Sheppey, although forwards Luke Harvey and Luke Griffiths are absent.