Sittingbourne and hosts Littlehampton ‘stunned’ by late postponement of their Isthmian South East game | Brickies boss Ryan Maxwell brands decision a ‘shambles’

Ryan Maxwell criticised the late postponement of Sittingbourne’s match at Littlehampton – a decision that left both clubs “stunned”.

Brickies boss Maxwell branded the referee’s call a “shambles” after last night’s game was called off just over half an hour before kick-off.

Both teams were ready for action but the pitch was deemed unplayable.

“Tonight’s game is OFF! Both clubs are stunned,” wrote Littlehampton on social media platform X.

They added: “We can only apologise to Sittingbourne and their fans who have travelled, who are just as surprised at this decision as we are.”

“Shambles tonight’s game was called off!” said Brickies boss Maxwell. “Like life, everyone’s too soft these days.

“Feel for our fans but big thank you to Littlehampton who treated us really well. Top hospitality and manners.”

In a further post, Littlehampton said: “Not rained for two days and pitch has been cut and rolled twice since Saturday’s game.

“Both clubs are amazed the game is off as we all feel it’s playable.”

Tonight’s game is OFF! Both clubs are stunned!

Maxwell, meanwhile says there’s no room for complacency if Sittingbourne are to stay in title contention.

The Brickies’ seven-match winning run in Isthmian South East ended on Saturday with a 3-0 defeat against Chichester.

It was a sobering loss for the hosts who went into the game high on confidence as the form team in the division.

Maxwell felt complacency was a factor as Sittingbourne errors led to the visitors’ first two goals, while a third followed in added time.

“I think we were caught out and got complacent - no doubt about it,” said Maxwell, whose third-placed side are 10 points behind new leaders Cray Valley.

“It’s easy to think after seven wins in a row that you just need to