SITTINGBOURNE 3 Metropolitan Police 0

A rather flattering scoreline for Sittingbourne that did not reflect the actual game itself. A lively opening period from both teams.

Blues midfielder Craig Brown is very fast on the ball and his good opening run finished with a shot that was just deflected over the bar for a corner.

Craig Brown followed this with a cross to Phil Ruggles, whose right-footed shot was saved by diving goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim, who only managed to grab the ball at the second attempt. It was one of those matches when the Blues went on an attacking venture up field that they left themselves open for a counter attack by the Home side.

Striker Elie Kayembe was set free with a long ball but tried to take it just a step too far, allowing for Blues captain Steve Sutherland to regain possession with a sliding tackle. The opening goal against the run of play came in the 36th minute.

The ball was not cleared from the Blues area allowing Hicham Akhazzan to drive the ball into the back of the net to put the Brickies one up.

The second half found the Blues under pressure during the opening period.

The ball was driven across the Blues goal line but there was no one there to what would have been an easy tap in for another goal.

Mo Maan the Blues goal keeper made a brilliant save from a Tom Bradbrook 18 yards drive.

It got worse on 59 minutes as Karl Dent volleyed home the second goal. The Blues to their credit never let their heads down and fought to pull a goal back.

Another great cross from Craig Brown was met with a spectacular diving header from Michael Cobden.

The ball flew towards the goal but more by instinct than anything Dern Ibrahim manage to block the ball on the goal line.

A minute later and another chance went begging as a home side defender somehow cleared the ball off his goalline.

The Blues then had a very good penalty appeal turned down.

Sittingbourne followed this with a good counter attack that resulted in a disputed penalty being awarded on 74 minutes.

Nick Reeves made no mistake with the spot kick to bring the final score line up to 3-0.

TEAM: Maan, Gledhill, Cobden, Sutherland, Cartledge, Smith, Brown, Honey, Carley, Drewett, Ruggles.

SUBS USED: Francis, Wright

ATTENDANCE 151

NEXT GAMES

Tuesday, March 16 (7.45pm): Metropolitan Police v Merstham, Ryman FL Div One South

Saturday, March 20 (3pm): Metropolitan Police v Whyteleafe, Ryman FL Div One South