Faversham Town manager James Collins celebrates small victory as the Lilywhites end Isthmian South East season 12th after win at Cray Valley

There was a small victory for Faversham boss James Collins to celebrate as his side ended their season.

A stunning long-range effort from midfielder Sam Bewick saw Town finish their campaign with a 1-0 victory at fifth-placed Cray Valley on Saturday before they lost by the same scoreline to Ashford in their play-off semi-final on Tuesday.

Faversham, hit by injuries throughout the season, had been left fearing relegation from Isthmian South East at one stage but they eventually finished their first full campaign under Collins in 12th.

“I think you always look to improve,” said Collins who took charge of Town in November 2019 with the club 13th before two Covid-affected campaigns.

“I wanted to finish 12th so I felt I had moved the club on and it was improving and moving forwards - and we did that.”

Bewick’s goal saw him mark his 135th club appearance and Collins has been thrilled with Bewick’s recent displays.

“To be fair, he has been brilliant the last four games,” said Collins.

“He filled in at right-back against Ashford and Whitstable, and he has been brilliant the last couple of games (since returning back into midfield).

“I don’t think he has had his best season but his attitude has been spot-on.

"I said to him, the last eight games, I think he has been our best player.”

Collins had always been eager to see the Salters Lane outfit safe from the threat of relegation prior to their final four fixtures of the season.

He explained: “We finished the season well.

"We lost 3-0 against Corinthian and I think that left us three points out of the relegation places, but then we have lost one in eight since.

"I felt we needed to be safe before the last four games of the season. We had Hastings, Whitstable - which is a local derby