Sheppey United 3 Sittingbourne 3 match report: Dan Bradshaw grabs stoppage-time equaliser for the Ites before last-gasp drama sees winning goal for Sittingbourne controversially ruled out

An extraordinary finish ensured Sheppey came from 3-0 behind to share the spoils from their derby against Swale rivals Sittingbourne on Boxing Day in Isthmian South East.

Ites frontman Dan Bradshaw netted in stoppage time as it ended 3-3. There was to be drama even after that, though, with Sittingbourne striker Chris Harris having a last-second winning goal controversially ruled out.

Earlier, first-half goals from Harris and defender Michael Turner had put the Brickies into a two-goal half-time lead.

Forward Mitchell May converted a penalty to put them three goals to the good – only for Sheppey to get a first back through Briggs Ojemen after a goal-mouth scramble and a second courtesy of skipper Richie Hamill’s incredible long-range shot. There were then goals for either side – one standing and one disallowed – in five minutes of injury time.

Ryan Maxwell’s troops had the first chance inside two minutes at Holm Park during a dominant first half. Ites goalkeeper Aiden Prall got down low to save from forward May after Stefan Ilic had sliced Luke Woodward’s high cross into May’s path.

The hosts threatened for the first time in the 15th minute as striker Javaun Splatt fired wide of goalkeeper Bobby Mason’s left-hand post from a cross by right-back Connor Wilkins.

There was concern for the away contingent when Mason went down two minutes later, although he was fit to continue after treatment.

Sittingbourne claimed a deserved lead on 21 minutes in front of a 497-strong crowd. Mason’s long clearance was not properly cleared and Harris excellently curled beyond Prall from around 20 yards to find the far corner for his eighth goal this term.

United remained in the contest despite their sloppy start, though, and Mason spilled a