Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell’s sense of relief that the Brickies’ long unbeaten home record fell when it did | Cray Valley next up in FA Trophy first round

Ryan Maxwell knew Sittingbourne’s home record would go at some point - so he’s relieved it’s out of the way.

The Brickies lost an Isthmian South East match at Woodstock for the first time in 27 games on Saturday as Faversham won the Swale derby 3-1.

Their proud run stretched back 19 months, with Broadbridge Heath the last side to leave with three points after inflicting a 1-0 defeat in March 2024.

Henry Sinai drew Sittingbourne level against the Lilywhites with a superb free-kick after Tashi Jay-Kwayie was gifted the opener.

But Eniye Amgbaduba and a second for Kwayie gave Town victory in front of a big derby crowd of 516.

Boss Maxwell described the feeling of losing a home game as “alien” but would rather it happened now than affecting them later on in the season.

“The record had to go at some point and I’m probably more relieved it’s gone in October, to start again, because in a lot of ways, you’re kind of waiting for it,” said Maxwell.

“One day it’s going to happen, that’s inevitable.

“When does it happen? There is a timing of these things that has a bigger effect.

“It’s so early in the season that it won’t affect us in the long run.

“Had it been Christmas time, or January, the league’s a bit more formed and it might be a bit different.

“But now we pick ourselves up, we have a massive game again here on Saturday in the FA Trophy, so it’s react quickly and get back on it and start another run.”

Sittingbourne host Isthmian Premier Cray Valley in the first round of the Trophy this weekend.

After last season’s run to the quarter-finals, the league is the clear priority.

There’s a desire to win the game but Maxwell, a friend of Millers boss Steve McKimm, says there’s no pressure on his team.

“It should be an interesting