Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell on their Isthmian South East Play-off Semi-Final defeat at home to Three Bridges

Gutted Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell admitted football’s a cruel game after their play-off defeat.

The Brickies were knocked out by Three Bridges in their Isthmian South East semi-final clash at Woodstock.

The hosts dominated the first half but had only Chris Harris’ close-range finish to show for their efforts.

They were limiting Three Bridges’ chances until a penalty handed the visitors a way back into the contest and an error let them in for the winner.

“It was quite a late goal and one that’s come out of absolutely nothing,” said Maxwell.

“We’ve conceded a penalty and then a clearance has effectively gone in. I’m gutted with the manner we conceded the two goals, full credit to Three Bridges.

“It was a tight game, we probably needed to come in another goal up at half-time, we hit the post. We probably warranted a second goal and didn’t get it so I think that’s come back to haunt us.

“Margins are incredibly thin, the other game was 1-0 as well and it was always going to be that way. You just hope and pray you are going to come out on the right side of the margins.”

The penalty came following a rash challenge by Joe Tyrie, when the ball had already been moved on and he fouled Noel Leighton just inside the penalty box.

“Joe’s a young man, we said to everybody don’t go to ground, don’t be desperate,” stated Maxwell.

“But he got a bit excited and that’s what happens when you’re young, you go to ground at times when you don’t need to. He’ll learn from that and be better for it.

“Ultimately, it’s given some confidence (to them), levelled the scoreline and it changes the game.”

Honest Maxwell wasn’t about to sugarcoat the winning goal, either. Although he did point out that keeper Bobby Mason has still had a terrific