Sittingbourne have had offers made for both of their senior goalkeepers and they are looking thin on the ground in central defence.

It’s been a busy week on the phone for boss Darren Blackburn ahead of their game against Isthmian South East’s second-placed Ashford United this Saturday.

Current first-choice keeper Harry Brooks has been approached by Sevenoaks while Blackburn’s other goalkeeper, Joe Docherty, is wanted by Isthmian Premier side Brightlingsea Regent.

On the pitch Sittingbourne picked up a point against Three Bridges on Saturday after full-back Taylor Fisher claimed an 87th-minute equaliser.

There was even drama after the final whistle when central defender Harrison Pont was red-carded for a remark made to the referee. That leaves Blackburn short of centre-halves this weekend.

Blackburn said: “The referee tried to let the game flow but I think he went a bit too far. There was no animosity between the management, we were almost laughing about it. I have certainly had players sent off for far less than some of the challenges.

“Players do get frustrated about inconsistency week to week and during the game as well.

“I don’t think we did enough to cleanly win the game but we probably edged it. They have quality and can cause you problems and Three Bridges battled how I would expect my players to battle in an away game.

“There was a tackle right at the end, there were a few that had gone unpunished. There was a tackle on Emmanuel Dasho who was poleaxed and for me it was a straight red.”

Visiting substitute Ben Bacon got away with a booking and Pont remonstrated with the referee after the final whistle.

“There was something said as we came off the pitch and it is not acceptable. If he hadn’t been red carded I would have dealt with it,” said the Brickies boss.

“I only said on the WhatsApp group last week about the Respect Table and not being happy with where we were. The boys are doing great and there is no need for it.

“It boiled over a bit at the end and the player knows how I feel. He will have a three-match ban and a fine, he is a young lad and he will learn from it.”

Centre-back Marvin Hamilton is away on international duty and could be missing at the weekend. George Crimmen has also transferred to Hythe after wanting regular football.

Busy Blackburn has made enquiries about bringing a player in as defensive cover but is unsure the deal can be made.

On the goalkeeper front, Blackburn said: “I have been busy sorting the goalkeepers and I am not panicking about it. We will have a good goalkeeper for Saturday.

“I am confident Harry will make the right decision, he has done really well in the last three games. Dochs had a couple of uncharacteristic moments in games and Harry got an opportunity and kept two clean sheets and a couple of penalty saves.”

Blackburn has also had a seven-day approach for right-back Neville Rivelino Nza from Basildon United.

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