Sittingbourne passed a test of their credentials in last Thursday’s pre-season outing.

Facing a Bowers & Pitsea team from the level above, the Brickies earned a creditable 2-2 draw.

The start of the season is getting ever closer with Ryan Maxwell’s side taking on Bromley under-23s at home this Saturday (3pm) in their final friendly before the real action begins.

Commenting on that draw with Bowers, Maxwell said: “It was a good competitive game for both teams. They got promoted last year so they are a step three side and it was a good measuring stick for us.

“I was very pleased with us in our general play. A short back-pass led to one of their goals and one of the lads we brought on conceded a penalty, so the two goals weren’t exactly goals where we were opened up.

“The general play from us was very good and I was very pleased overall, it was a good run-out.”

Last Thursday’s game saw Bowers take the lead before Henry Sinai levelled before the break. He added a second shortly after the restart but the visitors made it 2-2 from their 68th-minute penalty.

The Brickies were due to face Grays last night in their penultimate warm-up game.

“You want to be getting some continuity and consistency in your game at this stage and I think we’re getting that,” said the manager.

“We’re not going to be shouting from the rooftops but we’re reasonably happy with what’s happened so far.

“We have had six weeks to work with them and I feel as if they understand what we are asking them to do, I am not having to repeat myself. I think they are a very coachable team and that’s great for the management team.”

Bromley’s young team should provide a great last test for Maxwell’s men ahead of their season opener at home to Broadbridge Heath on Saturday, August 10.

While Maxwell has been working hard on getting his team to produce on the pitch he knows it’s important to be united off it too and with a free Saturday, they made the most of it.

A training session was followed by some a trip to the spa at the Reynolds Gym, some food at a Turkish restaurant and a sociable drink in town to finish.

Maxwell said: “We had a good bit of fun and a very sensible evening. It’s good to get to know people outside of football, it helps to come together, it is important and some people do neglect it in the modern game, there is certainly a place for it for my team.”