The first-half dismissal of keeper Deren Ibrahim proved costly as Sittingbourne slumped to defeat at Leatherhead, who leapfrogged them in the Ryman League Division 1 South table on Saturday.

Ibrahim received a red card in the 24th minute after upending Greg Andrews, meaning, for the second time in a month, Billy Manners had to go in goal.

The makeshift keeper produced two outstanding saves, but Sittingbourne’s hopes of a point were dashed when the home side struck twice in the last 15 minutes.

Andrews actually missed the penalty awarded for Ibrahim’s foul on him, but within two minutes Leatherhead’s Jack McLeod had fired them in front.

Sittingbourne levelled on 32 minutes when a corner was headed back towards the box by Nick Reeves and Matt Bourne headed home.

Manners then made a superb save from Mark Simmons but he was beaten again two minutes after half-time when Andrews scored with a well-placed effort.

To their credit Sittingbourne levelled again, on 54 minutes, Hicham Akhazzan shooting home after Colin Richmond’s corner had not been cleared properly and Tom Bradbrook almost gave them the lead when he headed just over.

Manners distinguished himself again with a fine save to deny Luke Pigen, but with 16 minutes remaining Tommy Hutchins made it 3-2, and in time added on Steve Barilli’s free-kick slipped through Manners’ fingers to seal the points.