Sam Gargan hopes his second spell at Eastbourne Borough proves more productive than his first.

That shouldn’t be too difficult considering the Albion striker was restricted to just two substitute appearances when he joined Borough for a month at the end of January.

The 20-year-old’s arrival coincided with the return to form of Andy Atkin and some arctic conditions which meant he spent less than 30 minutes on the pitch.

He still managed to show his predatory instincts with a goal in the 3-3 draw at Histon but that turned out to be his final game as he was recalled early by Albion only to sit on the bench for the injury-hit Seagulls.

With Nicky Forster and Glenn Murray both fit again Gargan was deemed surplus to requirements at Withdean and jumped at the chance to rejoin Borough.

While Borough’s part-timers may be daunted by their schedule of 11 games in the next month, Gargan is relishing the prospect.

Gargan said: “I’m really looking forward to playing some games. Borough have got a heavy schedule and that is exactly what I need.

“I got 90 minutes under my belt for the reserves on Wednesday but that was my first full game for a long time. Even though it was good to be in the squad when I returned to Albion I didn’t get on at all so that was disappointing.

“Eastbourne fans didn’t get to see much of me last time but hopefully I can do a bit better this time. I feel in good shape and am confident I can score some goals if I get the chance.”

Ironically Gargan may have to wait for his chance again with Andy Atkin expected to return from injury for tomorrow’s trip to Kettering, although Jack Jeffery is a slight doubt with an ankle problem.

Atkin missed last Saturday’s magnificent win against Wrexham meaning Borough had to field a diminutive strike force of Jeffery and Nathan Crabb when they were crying out for the height of Gargan.

However, with Borough facing a hectic period – including four games in the space of a week at the end of the month – there will be plenty of opportunity for him to make an impression.

Gargan said: “I’m out of contract in the summer and with a new boss in place I need to try to catch his eye.

“Being on the bench for a couple of games has got my enthusiasm up and I have got a real taste for it now. If I can score a few goals while at Eastbourne then maybe I’ll get another opportunity before the end of the season.”

Assistant manager Nick Greenwood is delighted to have Gargan back and is optimistic there could be more new faces before the transfer window closes.

Greenwood said: “The transfer deadline is in a couple of weeks and we need to get bodies in. It’s going to be a tough couple of months coming up so we talking to two or three other players to try to strengthen the squad.”

Borough’s schedule has not been helped by the fact that the postponed games against Crawley and Ebbsfleet have been rearranged within 48 hours of each other.

Reds come to Priory Lane on Tuesday March 31 with Ebbsfleet following them two days later.

Greenwood added: “It is ridiculous but the situation was out of our hands. It is not fair to ask part-time players to play that many games in such a short space of time and it is made worse by the fact all four teams we face in that week are full-time.”

Kettering: Harper, Bennett, Dempster, Geohaghan, Potter, Westcar, Solkhon, Boucard, Graham, Marna, Seddon. Subs: Lee, Wrack, Beardley, A.Potter, Whatsize.

Eastbourne: Hook, Austin, Baker, Pullan, Jenkins, Armstrong, Smart, Brown, M Crabb, Jeffery, Atkin. Subs: Gargan, N Crabb, Wormull, Lovett, Harding.

Follow Borough LIVE against Kettering tomorrow at theargus.co.uk/livereports