Sittingbourne players were read the riot act twice on Saturday - despite turning around their performance at Isthmian South East leaders Beckenham.

Manager Ryan Maxwell was hugely disappointed with the Brickies’ first-half display and Mitchell May’s 41st-minute equaliser was never going to spare them a half-time rocket.

The visitors were a team transformed after the break, although it took an injury-time Troy Howard header to rescue a 2-2 draw after Beckenham regained the lead just after the hour mark.

The fact they showed what they were capable of added to Maxwell’s frustration at what went before it.

“They got a rocket at half-time, a few home truths, and it was a completely different second half,” said Maxwell, whose side visit Sevenoaks tonight (7.45pm).

“I felt as if we just turned up expecting to win the game and you’re very disrespectful if you think you’re going to go anywhere, never mind a team who are top of the league, and win before a ball’s been kicked.

“If you think like that, you’re in for a shock and they were, they were shocked how good Beckenham were.

“We spoke about it afterwards and if they got a flea in their ear at half-time, they got worse at full-time, I can tell you that.

“I said it’s not acceptable. No one has a divine right to win any game, that’s why football is so loved because anyone can beat anyone.

“It’s good to have confidence, of course it is, but over-confidence gets you caught out.

“We got caught out for 45 minutes and ultimately it cost us two points.”

Maxwell was surprised by Sittingbourne’s complacency, given Beckenham’s position at the top of the table.

They could have won, based on second-half chances, but needed substitute Howard to secure a draw.

“The first half was nothing like us at all,” said Maxwell.

“Beckenham were first to everything, they got the ball down quicker, made better decisions and we were fortunate to come at 1-1, because we didn’t deserve to be level.

“The second half was a different story. Despite the fact they scored to go 2-1 up, it was against the run of play.

“We were very good, we had them pinned in for large periods and although it took us until the 91st minute to get the equaliser, their keeper made four fantastic saves.

“The subs came on and did well and Troy got the equaliser.

“We finally made the breakthrough but it’s a bittersweet point because we only played for half a game.”

Sittingbourne’s trip to Sevenoaks is their fourth successive away game in the league.

After a 2-0 victory at Burgess Hill, they fought back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Deal last Tuesday, courtesy of Ryan Kingsford, Jack Steventon and Joe Boachie, followed by the draw at Beckenham.

They’ll need to be on their game at Greatness Park, with Oaks buoyed by a 5-3 comeback victory at Herne Bay.

“I know seven points out of nine is a reasonable return, it’s just the manner of the game that disappointed me on Saturday,” said Maxwell.

“Sevenoaks had a great result at Herne Bay and are a team you can’t take for granted at all.

“They’ve got dangerous players, I know a few of them, and it will be a tough game.

“It’ll be a different type of game on the 3G pitch, I expect it to be a footballing game and a competitive one.”

Sittingbourne are back at home on Saturday (3pm) for the visit of Hythe Town.

The Cannons are managed by ex-Brickies boss Nick Davis, the man Maxwell succeeded in January 2023.

“I’ve been in his company once, when I watched a game, but I’ve never actually met him or shook his hand or spoken to him,” said Maxwell.

“I don’t know the man but the boys spoke well of him.

“I’ve heard he’s a good guy, Andrew (Marjeram, vice-chairman) speaks highly of him too. I’m sure we’ll share a pint afterwards.”

There’s good news on the injury front with defender Michael Turner back from a triple leg break and dislocated ankle sustained in March.

The big centre-back is set to play on dual-registration to build match fitness following his long lay-off.

“It’s great to have him back,” said Maxwell. “He’s shown great desire to get back as quick as he can.

“I’ve actually had to hold him back a bit because he’s been chomping at the bit for two weeks now but I didn’t want him breaking down.

“I was that player, I was injured all the time, and I said to Michael, ‘Listen to me, I’ve also had a triple leg break, so you’ve got to trust me on this, an extra month is key for your peace of mind that when you go into tackles, you can do so with confidence’.

“We were managing him in a way where he wasn’t being tackled in training, we weren’t allowing it, and then we let him get tackled last week and he was fine.

“It’s more mental than physical now if I’m honest.

“He wants to get going but you want to make sure you play your natural way.

“Michael’s a 6ft6in centre-half who’s physical, and for him to play well, he needs to have that confidence.”

Sittingbourne host Herne Bay on Tuesday (7.45pm).