Sittingbourne suffer Isthmian South East defeats to Faversham and Whitstable as injuries hit hard –Reece Prestedge’s team head to Cray Valley this Saturday

Sittingbourne manager Reece Prestedge is working to strengthen his squad after an injury crisis he has described as a major setback to their season.

The Brickies labelled it their “worst in 15 years” last week, with the club forced to field a team made up of players from Kent County League side Sittingbourne Valley to fulfil their Velocity Cup fixture at Littlehampton Town, which ended in a 5-0 loss.

Since then, Sittingbourne suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Faversham Town at the weekend and lost 3-2 against Whitstable on Tuesday night, despite Harvey Smith and Darren Foxley netting.

Prestedge has already brought striker Mitchell May back to Woodstock for a third spell, with further additions expected as he looks to get his side back on track.

The Brickies had won four of their opening five league games before injuries began to take their toll. They’ve taken just one point from their last four games.

May, who left for Canvey Island in the summer, has returned after previously scoring more than 50 goals in his first spell with the club, helping them reach the FA Trophy quarter-finals and finish as league runners-up.

He subsequently moved to Ramsgate before rejoining Sittingbourne towards the end of last season, but has now opted to play closer to home.

Prestedge believes May can add another dimension to his attack.

“We just need a bit more legs, a bit more pace in behind and just more of a goal threat,” he said.

“We’ve scored goals but our games have been very close. We haven’t really got a 3-0 like Faversham have.”

May could be followed through the door by further recruits, with Prestedge hoping to complete two or three deals.

He was particularly disappointed by the manner of Saturday’s defeat to Faversham, feeling his side