Gutted Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell admitted football’s a cruel game after their play-off defeat.

The Brickies were knocked out by Three Bridges in their Isthmian South East semi-final clash at Woodstock.

The hosts dominated the first half but had only Chris Harris’ close-range finish to show for their efforts.

They were limiting Three Bridges’ chances until a penalty handed the visitors a way back into the contest and an error let them in for the winner.

“It was quite a late goal and one that’s come out of absolutely nothing,” said Maxwell.

“We’ve conceded a penalty and then a clearance has effectively gone in. I’m gutted with the manner we conceded the two goals, full credit to Three Bridges.

“It was a tight game, we probably needed to come in another goal up at half-time, we hit the post. We probably warranted a second goal and didn’t get it so I think that’s come back to haunt us.

“Margins are incredibly thin, the other game was 1-0 as well and it was always going to be that way. You just hope and pray you are going to come out on the right side of the margins.”

The penalty came following a rash challenge by Joe Tyrie, when the ball had already been moved on and he fouled Noel Leighton just inside the penalty box.

“Joe’s a young man, we said to everybody don’t go to ground, don’t be desperate,” stated Maxwell.

“But he got a bit excited and that’s what happens when you’re young, you go to ground at times when you don’t need to. He’ll learn from that and be better for it.

“Ultimately, it’s given some confidence (to them), levelled the scoreline and it changes the game.”

Honest Maxwell wasn’t about to sugarcoat the winning goal, either. Although he did point out that keeper Bobby Mason has still had a terrific season between the sticks for Sittingbourne.

“It’s a terrible goal, let’s be honest about it,” added the manager. “I feel for Bobby and the lads who are involved in it.

“Bobby’s been outstanding this season and he’s not going to be defined by one moment, I certainly won’t highlight it as a definition of the man. These things happen. Unfortunately, it’s happened in a play-off game.”

Despite the defeat, Sittingbourne were given a warm ovation from the home fans following the full-time whistle.

Maxwell is a class act off the pitch, he’s worked hard on establishing a rapport between the fans and his squad, and wanted the players to make sure they thanked the supporters for their backing.

He added: “The fans reminded me they haven’t had this for 30 years or however long it may be. I’m just gutted for them. They’re a fantastic bunch of fans and I wanted to do it for them.

“I really am gutted for them and I hope they understand that I’ve given my all, so have my staff, and it’s cruel how we have lost but that’s football.

“I’ll be bouncing back and I know my players will too, they’ll learn from this and be better for it. I told them right now is not the time to dissect everything but they’ll come out of it stronger, they’ll hurt for a while and rightly so, but, ultimately, they’ll be better for it.

“It’s too emotional right now to get your words correct so I kept it short and sweet (in the dressing room). I said to them we’ll speak again, come and show the fans the respect they deserve (in the bar), speak to them and give them your time because they’ve been phenomenal. They’re very lucky to be playing for a club like this.”