Joint-boss Jim Ward isn’t giving up on Sittingbourne’s promotion dream.

The Brickies dropped to seventh after a 3-1 defeat at title-chasing Dulwich last weekend and have played more games than all their Ryman League Division 1 South play-off rivals.

But Ward, whose team host Burgess Hill on Saturday, believes 16 points from the last eight games could yet clinch a place in the top five.

He said: "The season’s not over yet. Let’s average two points a game from here and see where it takes us. There’s still eight games to go.

Left-back Ashley Ulph lasted an hour on his comeback from a knee injury and may not be risked against Burgess Hill with Anthony John available to deputise after serving a one-match ban.

Captain Simon Pettit (Achilles) remains sidelined and possibly won’t play again this season.

Ward said: "We still haven’t had the results of Pettit’s scan but with eight games left, he may be better off resting.

"The form guide tells you Burgess Hill aren’t having a great time but they’re a decent side. I’m expecting a stiff test."