Nathan Elder has given Aslan Odev plenty to think about after scoring on his first Sittingbourne start.

Elder joined the club primarily as a coach but with Bourne struggling for goals, he was named in the side for Saturday’s FA Trophy tie at Faversham.

The former Brentford striker showed all his old class and opened the scoring as the visitors won 2-0.

Boss Odev said: “Nathan played really well. We had to change something because we weren’t scoring the number of goals we wanted.

“Nathan’s someone who’s obviously got that experience and he still has the hunger.

“We were chatting and he told me he wanted to contribute and that he still felt he could being value to the team.

“It was a no-brainer to give him a start and he’s definitely given me something to think about.

“It gives other players a lift when he’s on the pitch and it means more competition for the other strikers.

“He’s been absolutely brilliant. I was fortunate to be put in contact with him in the first place. He’s been fully committed.”

Harrison Hatfull made the most of a rare start with a spectacular clincher at Faversham.

Odev believes the young midfielder, who had trials with Bolton, is ready to push on.

He said: “It was a very good strike. It’s quite funny because we did some shooting practice on Tuesday and every single one he hit went over or missed the target.

“It was a quite a contrast on Saturday and I’m happy for him because he deserved that goal.

“He’s not had the minutes he would have wanted but his commitment has been fantastic as well.

“I think he’s ready to kick on. He’s ambitious, hardworking and everything comes in due time.

“For young players, the first thing is to concentrate on being the best player at your club, then the best player in the league and things will fall into place.”

Sittingbourne, eighth in Bostik South East, host second-placed Phoenix this Saturday.