New boss Ryan Maxwell has no doubt Sittingbourne will pull clear of trouble in Isthmian South East.

Correy Davidson’s spectacular late equaliser cancelled out Brickies old boy Kane Rowland’s opener in a 1-1 draw at leaders Ramsgate on Saturday.

It was a game Maxwell felt his side should have won, having seen a “mental shift” in the squad since taking charge a week ago.

Brickies were third-bottom after the result although their chance to make up ground on Lancing was dashed by the postponement of last night’s home game against East Grinstead.

Maxwell, however, is still looking up.

“As a manager, I’ve been in this position twice before, with Walthamstow and Braintree,” he said.

“At Braintree, we’d lost seven in a row and were rock-bottom with no points when I came in and we still got out of it.

“You’ve got to be positive and tackle the situation with energy and self-belief. You’ve got to look up but not too high.

“No doubt we’ll climb the table and the sooner the better because I’d like to see where this team finish.

“I’d like to see where we are at the end of the season in terms of points since I came in, so I know what we need for next year. It’s a project that excites me.”

Defender Tom Hanfrey, midfielder Ekow Owusu-Boakye and forward Chaynie Burgin made their full debuts at Ramsgate, while fellow new boys Aaron Eyoma and Gael Kileba came off the bench.

It was an impressive display from the Brickies in Maxwell’s first game in charge but he felt they should have left with more than a point.

“Maybe people didn’t expect us to get much there but having played the game, we deserved to win, so it’s bittersweet,” said Maxwell.

“We didn’t deserve to be 1-0 down at half-time and it was great to see the character of the team right away.

“I saw loads of fight and loads of desire and we equalised with a fantastic goal from Correy.

“I’m really pleased with how we finished the game.

“We were pushing and pushing and pushing, which is a great sign for me. After one proper session, there seems to have been a mental shift.

“The players have understood the demands and what we’re here for.

“The mental side is the most important part, particularly after 11 games without a win.

“The players who’ve played a part in those defeats are going to be low on confidence and self-belief.

“First, you have to change the mindset and the body will follow. We believe we can beat anybody. That’s my mentality.

“We went to Ramsgate to win the game. We played a front three. We didn’t go 4-5-1 or 5-4-1. Rome wasn’t built in a day but the players have certainly bought into my ideas.

“I’ve laid down the rules and put a code of conduct in place - literally. I’m happy with what I’ve seen.

"The disappointment on Saturday was to concede from a set-piece - it was a huge error from us - but that’s something that will stop.

"I must go on record and thank the fans as well.

“They’re unique, these fans. I know people were aware of them but I wasn’t until I came here.

“About 40 of them travelled to Ramsgate and they were the only people you could hear."

Sittingbourne are due to take on Chichester at Woodstock on Saturday (3pm) in Maxwell’s first home game.

There’s an air of excitement around the club, boosted by the new arrivals.

“Harley Earle played his second game in goal on Saturday - he’s only 19,” said Maxwell.

“He’s not the biggest but it doesn’t affect him. He’s a confident lad, he’s great to work with and I really like him.

“Tom Hanfrey is someone who’s played at Step 2 with Tonbridge Angels.

“Recently he’s been at too many clubs for one reason or another and now he’s got to get his head down and reach the levels we know he’s capable of.

“He’s only 23 and a left-sided centre-half, which is pretty rare.

“Ekow is a midfielder I found at Little Oakley and he comes from FC Romania. He’s got boundless energy and is very tenacious.

“He made a fantastic tackle on Saturday. He’s bit of throwback in that respect, which I enjoyed.

“Chaynie’s had lots of clubs in for him. He’s 6ft4in and a player I signed from Woodford when I was at Braintree.

“He’s got loads of untapped potential and is one who’s going to surprise people.

“Gael Kileba is ex-West Ham. He’s come via FC Romania. He’s an exciting player with bags of pace and skill and trickery.

“Aaron Eyoma is the other new one. He’s ex-Arsenal. We’ve got him from Concord and I had him at Braintree.

“He’s an excellent player with loads of ability. He can play in various positions and is comfortable on the ball.

“He’s not fully fit but he made a huge difference when he came on against Ramsgate. He retains the ball and sees a pass.”

Brickies are on the road again on Tuesday when they visit VCD (7.45pm).