Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell on his side’s remarkable FA Trophy fifth-round victory at Southend United as Isthmian South East club reach quarter-finals

Ryan Maxwell’s confidence in his players was vindicated after Sittingbourne pulled off a remarkable FA Trophy win at National League Southend.

Proud boss Maxwell saw his Isthmian South East part-timers triumph 1-0 in front of more than 4,800 fans at Roots Hall on Saturday to reach the quarter-finals for the first time.

The crowd included 866 Brickies supporters and they celebrated wildly after late substitute Anthony Church scored an injury-time winner on his debut, having been unsure he’d even be available.

The Shrimpers, a former Championship club and the biggest name left in the competition, were overwhelming favourites to beat a team three leagues below them.

Kevin Maher’s side bossed possession but Sittingbourne defended brilliantly before taking the win when Church struck in the sixth minute of added time.

Step 4 Sittingbourne are only two rounds away from a Wembley final after continuing their history-making exploits in this season’s competition.

The Brickies were determined to put on a performance for the away fans and, having done his homework, Maxwell felt an upset was possible.

“I’m just incredibly proud,” said Maxwell, after his team pulled off by far the most significant of their six wins over higher-league opposition during their record-breaking Trophy run.

“I’m proud of the players, proud of everybody. I’m happy for everybody, I love everyone at the club.

“It’s like an extension of my family. We’re so close here, we’re unbelievably close, and I just wanted us to do it for other people.

“I think that gives us more drive and fight when you’re doing something for someone else, you have more drive about you than just doing it for you.

“I told my players I want to see every bit of DNA of us on that pitch.

“I’ve