Ryan Maxwell’s confidence was vindicated as Sittingbourne marched on in the FA Trophy.

Boss Maxwell felt the Brickies had another upset in them, having already beaten Dover and Winchester, and he wasn’t wrong.

This time they bridged a two-division gap, coming from 2-1 down to beat Enfield Town 4-2 at Woodstock and reach the last 32 for the first time in the club’s history.

There was enough there to think it could be the Brickies’ day, with Enfield struggling at the foot of National League South and Maxwell’s side flying in Isthmian South East.

But the hosts were still very much the underdogs, even more so when the early lead given to them by Henry Sinai quickly turned into a 2-1 deficit.

But what a response as Joe Boachie’s double, including his second bicycle kick in a week, and an own goal completed Sittingbourne’s comeback victory in difficult conditions.

“I’m always confident but I think you’ve got to be respectful and understand the levels,” said Maxwell.

“I think form’s key, no matter what level you’re in.

“If you’re one level above and winning every week, you’re used to winning every week, aren’t you?

“So, if you’re not winning every week, you’re probably used to losing. I’m sure it played a part mentally.

“We’re obviously in great form and we said as a management team go and do what we’ve been doing and fully believe in it.”

Report: Sittingbourne 4-2 Enfield

Maxwell added: “We’re still coming off the back of the emotions and whatever but obviously when a team’s two leagues above you, there should be a gap in quality.

“But there wasn’t one today, and I mean that respectfully.

“It’s all about your team and where your players have come from, what ages they are.

“There’s players in my dressing room who will play higher than the level we faced today.

“When it will happen, that’s down to their development and how much they want it, but if you were a bookie or a gambler, I’m sure you wouldn’t have wanted to touch this game.

“They should be favourites despite the fact that they’re not winning games, but the level should be a gap.”

Sittingbourne led AFC Croydon 3-0 after five minutes last weekend.

They made another fast start with Sinai’s fourth-minute opener, only for Enfield to hit back.

At that point the higher-league side might have fancied their chances of taking control but Sittingbourne didn’t give them a chance to settle on their 2-1 lead.

Boachie scored a lovely leveller after Troy Howard flew down the right before trumping that effort with his brilliant overhead kick.

Dan Cox’s own goal gave the Brickies a cushion they never once looked like relinquishing.

Maxwell, who praised the officials for allowing the game to go ahead in light of heavy wind and rain, said: “What a game.

“If you were a neutral you would have got your money’s worth. It was just a fantastic day for the football club.

“We started nearly as quick as we did last weekend, so that’s a good thing, and long may it continue.

“They’ve then come back strong and had a spell, we’ve had to react and recover and that’s the main thing I’m happy about, about today’s performance, that we’ve had to dig in and come from behind and come back and win the game.”

As for Boachie’s second, the manager said: “Phenomenal athleticism. I mean, I couldn’t have done it. I’d probably be dead, I’d break my neck. What a goal.

“I’m looking forward to seeing it back and a big well done to Joe.

“I thought he was outstanding. Joe was playing extremely well before he got injured, missed a chunk of football and I think we’re now seeing him back at his best.”

The draw for the fourth round will be made at 3.15pm on Monday.

There’s some big National League names in there, with the likes of York City and Southend United among those through.

“I’d love the players to get a game where they go ‘I fancy us there again’ because it can be a once-in-a-lifetime journey they’re on at the minute and I’m aware of that,” said Maxwell.

“Personally, I don’t care. From the players’ point of view I’m sure they’d like a game where they fancy themselves and the club might want a money-spinner.”

Sittingbourne return to Isthmian South East action at Herne Bay on Tuesday night, looking for a 10th successive league victory.