Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell says he’ll be over the moon if Brickies attract crowd of 400 for Good Friday game against Horndean

Ryan Maxwell would love to see Sittingbourne fans break the 400 barrier on Good Friday.

Third-placed Brickies host Horndean in a 1pm kick-off at Woodstock as they close in on securing an Isthmian South East play-off spot.

The club’s best season in years has captured the imagination of locals, with crowds on the rise.

Their last home game, against Broadbridge Heath, attracted an attendance of 370, a turnout bettered only by Kent derbies against Sheppey (651) and Ramsgate (509).

Sittingbourne have come a long way, both in terms of crowds and results since Maxwell took charge in January last year.

Four-hundred is the magic figure they are targeting against Horndean, which is followed by a trip to title-chasing Ramsgate on Monday (3pm).

“We were looking at this last week,” said Maxwell, whose side won 3-2 at Beckenham on Saturday.

“My first game, when I came to watch, there were 125 against Whitehawk, who went on to get promoted.

“They were very loud, they were brilliant, but we had 370 at the last home game, so it’s nearly trebled and we’re all proud of that. I’m hoping to break the 400 mark on Friday.

“That would be outstanding - I’d be over the moon for the club, the chairman and everyone involved.

“The fans have been hugely important and will continue to be so.

“I think everyone wants to attach themselves to something that wins - that’s natural - but I’d also like to think we’re engaging with fans as a management team and players.

“I’ve always got time for them after every single game and I know they appreciate that.

“That’s our style, we’re always happy to engage and I hope that spreads through the fans because it’s important to be approachable.

“Without them, there’s no non-league clubs. They’re the most important