Jack Steventon’s return to Sittingbourne has worked out pretty well with the Brickies in the last 16 of the FA Trophy and challenging for the Isthmian South East title

Jack Steventon’s decision to rejoin Sittingbourne has been vindicated.

Steventon was named man-of-the-match as the Brickies upset Salisbury 2-1 in the FA Trophy fourth round on Saturday.

He also finds himself part of a side fighting for the Isthmian South East title.

The defender started the campaign at Hythe but eventually followed ex-Cannons team-mate Liam Smith to Sittingbourne.

“I’ll be honest, it’s a complete turnaround from how my season started,” said Steventon.

“I was at Hythe for two or three years and when the opportunity came up to come here, there was no way I could turn it down.

“It was too good an opportunity.

“I spoke to Liam who said how strong the squad was, how good the management team are, and it’s the best thing I’ve done.”

Sittingbourne, then managed by Nick Davis, gave Steventon his break in senior football as a teenager in 2016.

He returned after a spell at Faversham but was on the move again, this time joining Herne Bay.

If Brickies fans weren’t happy at the time, he’s restored his relationship with them in his latest spell.

“I was 17/18 when I was first here,” said Steventon.

“It was my first year of men’s football and I left a couple of times. I was very young.

“Looking back, it wasn’t the right decision. I do regret that.

“The fans weren’t too happy with me when I left but I’m glad we’ve put that behind us. They’re absolutely amazing.

“We play for them and they get us over the line.”

Steventon excelled at centre-half alongside Chris Arthur in Sittingbourne’s Trophy win over Salisbury.

The visitors, who play two levels above Sittingbourne in National League South, came on strong after falling behind to Richie Hamill’s early second-half strike.

But the Brickies defended magnificently before