Sittingbourne manager Reece Prestedge says his side should have the confidence and belief to beat Isthmian South East promotion rivals Merstham

Reece Prestedge says Sittingbourne should take confidence into a big Christmas away game.

The Brickies, fifth in Isthmian South East, visit sixth-placed Merstham on Saturday (3pm).

Prestedge’s side are three points better off than their hosts after seven wins and a draw in eight games under his management.

They’re looking to continue their outstanding form and stretch their advantage over the Moatsiders.

“You want to create a gap between you and the ones below, so it’s probably one of the most must-win games we’ve had,” said Brickies boss Prestedge.

“We know what Merstham are about and what they bring to the table, especially being at home.

“But we should have the confidence and belief that we’ve shown in previous weeks to go there and not just give them a good game, but look to take the points as well.

“They’re a good side, they know each other inside out, they’re organised, so I see it being a really good game.”

Sittingbourne made it nine goals in two home games after beating struggling Beckenham 4-1 on Saturday.

Having beaten Eastbourne Town 5-0 last time out, they raced into a two-goal lead through man-of-the-match Harvey Smith and Jean-Baptiste Fischer.

Beckenham pulled one back but second-half goals from Henry Sinai and Joe Boachie clinched another big win.

“It probably could have been more dominant, if I’m honest,” said Prestedge.

“Last weekend was an all-round solid, professional performance.

“I think some parts of the game this week were a little bit edgy, not as great quality, but when you come away winning 4-1, you can’t really moan.

“I’d be silly to think we could hit those levels all the time.

“We went 2-0 up and I felt we were probably too comfortable and they go down the other end and score straight away.