Support from chairman Maurice Dunk has helped Sittingbourne boss Matt Wyatt through his toughest time in football.

Wyatt and joint-manager Nick Davis feared the sack after a 7-1 hiding at Burgess Hill last Wednesday, having offered to walk away during an hour-long meeting with the players.

The defeat was Brickies’ sixth game without a victory but Mr Dunk’s faith was rewarded when Bourne won 3-2 at Walton Casuals on Saturday, a result Wyatt felt made his team virtually safe in Ryman League, Division 1 South.

They are now were nine points clear of the bottom three after Tuesday night's 1-0 win against in-form Merstham.

Wyatt said: “We were lucky to still be in a job after the Burgess Hill game and going six matches without a win.

“I spoke to Maurice at length and he realises the good job we’ve done getting clear of the bottom three and he also understands how hard it’s been to get a consistent side out with all the games we’ve had recently.

“He said to keep our heads up and keep going and it’s nice when the chairman gives you his backing.

“The offer to resign was a bit off-the-cuff but the players showed how much they want to play for me and Nick at Walton Casuals."

The Brickies host Guernsey on Saturday.