Sittingbourne stay on the fringes of the Ryman League Division 1 South play-off race after a stalemate at Fleet on Saturday.

The game only went ahead after passing a mid-morning inspection following heavy overnight rain.

Boss Gary Abbott, pictured, who was already without suspended pair Deren Ibrahim and Joe Horlock, also lost Jimmy Bottle in the warm-up because of injury, with midfielder Steven Marshall handed an unexpected debut.

Daniel Bygraves, signed from Bromley, replaced Ibrahim, and Ryan Andrews, signed on dual registration forms with Thurrock, also returned as the Essex club’s game against Hampton was postponed.

More rain early in the game saw the pitch cut up and the heavy surface made life difficult for both teams. Daniel Reed scooped a first chance wide for the home side, who also went close through Tyrone Smith and Paul Harkness, but the Brickies defence, led by the impressive Matt Bourne, held firm.

Sittingbourne enjoyed a better second half playing down the slope, and top scorer Hicham Akhazzan saw his early effort blocked. Billy Manners and Marshall went close, and then Tom Bradbrook headed wide. Akhazzan saw his cross-shot go past the far post late on and Bradbrook broke away but his shot cannoned off Akhazzan and went over.

Bourne host Whitstable on Tuesday night.