Phoenix Sports 1 (0) -v- Sittingbourne 2 (1)

Report by Mike Green

Although because of goal difference it already looked a certainty, Sittingbourne guaranteed a home Play Off Semi Final after a workman-like win over Phoenix Sport on Saturday (20th April) afternoon. 

The Brickies went into the game knowing that three more points from their remaining two League games to guarantee that the Club’s first ever Play Off game will be at the Roman Stadium against either Three Bridges or Chichester City, and a goal in each half from top scorer Mitch May and defender Joe Tyrie sealed the nerves. And despite Jola Lahan scrambling home an effort for the home side, the Brickies domination meant that third place was sealed. 

The game had an end of season feel to it following Phoenix’s win Hythe seven days previously had guaranteed Steve O’Boyle’s side another season in the Isthmian League, and his side produced a tight performance that proved tough for Sittingbourne to break down, but once May had prodded them in front, there really was only one winner! 

The goal was a scrappy one – Chris Harris battled to get the ball back to his strike partner and May hammered home his nineteenth goal of the season. 

In a game of very few chances, keeper Bobby Mason was called upon once in the opening half as he kicked away a low cross into his box that took a horrible bounce. 

The second period was equally as tough for both sides and Alex Bentley was unlucky with a header from a super Correy Davidson centre, and when Tyrie went horizontal to head a Davidson corner beyond keeper Andy Walker, the points were effectively won with twenty minutes left. 

It was a surprise when Lawan bundled the home side a goal back with just over 15 minutes left but the home side were not able to find another way past Mason, Tyrie et al and the home Play Off place was secured with a game to spare. 

Sittingbourne Played: Bobby Mason, Alex Bentley, Joe Tyrie, Sergio Uyi (Cameron Black), Bagasan Graham, Stefan Ilic (Donvieve Jones), Gabriel Piorkowski, Chris Regis, Correy Davidson, Chris Harris (Emmanuel Osei-Owusu) and Mitchell May. Subs not used: Josh Snell and Ryan Maxwell.