Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell got the response he wanted in Brickies’ FA Trophy first-round win over Cray Valley after derby disappointment last week

Ryan Maxwell says he knew Sittingbourne were going to beat higher-league Cray Valley in the FA Trophy first round on Saturday.

Boss Maxwell demanded a performance following the Brickies’ 3-1 league defeat by Swale rivals Faversham last week.

And he got one as the Isthmian South East hosts beat their Premier Division visitors 2-1 to set up a second-round tie at Ebbsfleet on November 15.

Henry Sinai opened the scoring and Jerry Puemo’s own goal doubled Sitingbourne’s advantage before Matty Vigor’s injury-time penalty for the visitors.

Sittingbourne have made a habit of beating teams in higher divisions in the Trophy over the past couple of seasons and were at it again.

“It was a great response,” said Maxwell.

“I was certainly looking for one, we needed one, and we got one.

“It was important we showed what we we’re all about.

“Every great side is able to bounce back, no matter who the opposition.

“I know it was a team in the league above and a very talented side as well, and well-managed, so it wasn’t going to be an easy game.

“But if I was a gambling man, which I’m not, I would have heavily backed us to win on Saturday after last week’s disappointment.

“I know my players and they didn’t let me down.

“It was such a disappointing afternoon last week and it was felt by everybody that there was only one response I would accept, which was everybody performing to their best, no matter who we’re playing.

“We had a great week in training, as well, so the signs were there, and we had a plan that had to be carried out because we had boys who were cup-tied and guys coming back from injury.

“We lost a guy in the warm-up, so nothing was plain sailing, but that’s what you need to see, you need to see people under pressure in tough