Rents reckons his return was long overdue

Margate defender Sam Rents reckons he was "delighted" to return to action for the Ryman Premier club during Tuesday night's Kent Senior Cup win against Herne Bay after a 15 week lay-off.

The defender was one of manager Terry Brown's first recruits when he took charge almost a year ago and sustained his knee injury back in August during the hard fought 2-1 win away at Harrow Borough.

He didn't expect it to cost him more than three months of the season and despite missing out on playing the whole 90 minutes of the 3-1 win, the 27-year-old is just glad to be back in the side after spending such a long time on the sidelines.

Rents, pictured, said: "I played more than I expected, I got through the game fine, my knee felt fine as well but obviously I was blowing a bit at the end as I was told I was only playing 45 minutes originally. Playing 90 minutes certainly wouldn't have done any harm it was unexpected that I played the whole game but it was good and I was glad to be able to stay out there”.

"It has been such a frustrating 15 weeks out. When I first did it I tried to play on as I didn't think it was that bad. It was hard watching the lads from the side-lines but I am just glad to be back out there and hopefully get my place back in the team."

Rents believes the return of striker Jason Prior on Saturday will boost the Blues even further as they seek to hold on to a five point lead at the top of the top of the table, albeit with Maidstone United having four games in hand.

Bognor Regis Town are visiting the Gallagher Stadium and he added: "Jason has come back and he has scored a few while at Bognor. We will look forward to having him back and getting the three points hopefully and staying top of the league."

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