Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell hopes new additions will help to keep his squad fresh.

A hectic schedule for the Isthmian South East title-chasers continued on Tuesday night with a home game against Littlehampton Town, which they won 3-1.

That match came after a 3-2 away defeat against Three Bridges - a first league defeat since the second game of the season back in August, ending a 30-game unbeaten run.

Maxwell’s been proud of the efforts shown so far but admits they need help.

Speaking after the weekend loss, he said: “It’s a run we’ve been very proud of and we put a lot of work into it with some tremendous performances along the way.

“We’ve competed against teams at leagues two or three above us in the cup, which would take a lot out of any team, and for a step four club to be doing it, it’s quite remarkable.

“I have to give credit to all of the players, they’re all playing their part. There are a few wounded soldiers at the moment, they have played a lot of minutes in high-intensity games, big games.

“It is a lot to ask for but the boys are incredible, battered and bruised at the moment but with a couple of fresh additions and rest for one or two that need it, and we’ll be fine.

“I am looking at bringing in a couple and we just have to pick the right ones. We’re still fighting for a title and we’re looking for the right person as much as player, we are very particular as to who we bring into this football club and very particular in what kind of person wears the shirt.

“A lot of vetting goes on to make sure we get the right men to do the job.”

Chevron McLean, who has most recently been at Sevenoaks, made his debut for Sittingbourne on Tuesday night.

With such as impressive season, the team spirit is high at the club with top spot the goal. Maxwell knows it’s an environment that only the right type will be able to integrate with.

He said: “We have to get a player who is used to this kind of environment because it is high-intensity, there is a lot at stake, there is a lot of hard work being done here and the person has to marry up to what it is we need from them.

“I think the whole squad needs a bit of a refresh, to give them a bit of a rest and bring some fresh blood into the club, to manage the minutes and the games. It is a long campaign and we want to keep our players fresh.”

Goals from Richie Hamill, Troy Howard and Ade Azeez secured the midweek win.

It’s been a hectic schedule that continues this Saturday with a trip to play-off hopefuls Merstham and then on to play a Hythe side fighting for their lives in the relegation zone on the Tuesday night.

It’s a juggling act for the boss and the players.

He said: “From my own point of view, I have a business and a family. It’s always family first in my life, it always will be.

“We have a busy schedule and these monstrous games coming up but I’m loving it.

“I manage my time to make sure I can give what is required and I think the players are also making the sacrifices that are required.

“It’s an intense atmosphere but it’s an enjoyable one. Better this than seeing out the season or scraping around. We are lucky to be here.”

Last weekend’s defeat to Three Bridges came after conceding a 91st minute penalty. The hosts had twice fought back from behind following goals from Liam Smith and Ryan Kingsford.

It was fatigue that led to the penalty, according to the manager.

He said: “We had two off the line and hit the post. It wasn’t a great game. I don’t think either team deserved to win, but if there was one it would be us on chances.

“The player who conceded the penalty has only done that out of tiredness, he has run 60 yards back. He scored to put us 2-1 up, he scored last Tuesday and played against Aldershot on the previous Saturday, a lot of minutes, a lot of intensity in Ryan’s games recently.

“He just about got there but it was just tiredness, he ran all the way back and it was just an example of the tiredness. A fit and fresh Ryan Kingsford would never do that and it has cost us the point.

“It’s disappointing but I understand why it’s happened and it has been put to bed quickly and we move on now.”

Maxwell knows the games they’re playing at present against teams battling at both ends won’t be easy as they look to keep the pressure on leaders Ramsgate.

He said: “There are no easy games now and we have built up such a huge reputation that everyone is wanting to take our scalp.

“There are no easy games for us and we will have to be prepared for everything and get the points we need to keep the pressure on.

“There will only be a small collection of teams who haven’t got anything to play for, in no man’s land. Other teams are fighting for their own objectives and will have their own threats and will be tough games.”

Jean-Baptiste Fischer was back in action for the Brickies on Tuesday after injury last season, playing the final 20 minutes.

Last season’s player-of-the-year Luke Woodward has managed a couple of appearances for Saffron Walden as he steps up his injury recovery ahead of an expected return to Sittingbourne.