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Sittingbourne 2 Salisbury 1 match report: Brickies stun National League South visitors to reach last 16 of the FA Trophy

Sittingbourne pulled off another big upset to reach the last 16 of the FA Trophy.

Richie Hamill broke the deadlock early in the second half and Henry Sinai clinched victory in added time as the Brickies shocked their National League South opponents.

Sittingbourne celebrate their FA Trophy victory over Salisbury. Picture: Ian Scammell
Sittingbourne celebrate their FA Trophy victory over Salisbury. Picture: Ian Scammell

Ronan Silva scored a consolation penalty in the dying seconds but it was a fifth higher-league scalp for Sittingbourne and a second from Step 2 after beating Enfield last time out.

It was another terrific performance from Ryan Maxwell’s Isthmian South East promotion hopefuls, who were already the lowest-ranked team left in the competition.

Sittingbourne were much the better side in a goalless first half at a busy Woodstock.

Salisbury, 18th in National League South, offered little as an attacking force, with the hosts making all the running in the fourth-round tie.

Winger Troy Howard was a good outlet for the home side, using his pace to good effect down the right flank.

Salisbury keeper Dan Lincoln can't keep out Richie Hamill's strike as Sittingbourne take the lead. Picture: Ian Scammell
Salisbury keeper Dan Lincoln can't keep out Richie Hamill's strike as Sittingbourne take the lead. Picture: Ian Scammell

He had a good battle with Salisbury left-back Jordan Raguette, who knew he was in for a busy afternoon.

Hardworking frontman Ryan Kingsford also caught the eye, looking after the ball and bringing others into play.

He had the first chance of the afternoon after five minutes, running on to Howard’s pass and testing Dan Lincoln with a well-struck low effort.

Howard went on to hit the inside of the post after shaking off Ragguette and firing across Lincoln.

Defender Chris Arthur threatened with a 35-yard drive after Jack Steventon’s long throw, and Sinai also tried his luck from Kingsford’s lay-off.

The start of the second half was delayed by more than 10 minutes after a problem with one of the floodlights.

Henry Sinai scores Sittingbourne's clinching second goal against Salisbury. Picture: Ian Scammell
Henry Sinai scores Sittingbourne's clinching second goal against Salisbury. Picture: Ian Scammell

When the action resumed, Sittingbourne were straight in on goal with Howard hitting the bar this time.

And the Isthmian South East side took the lead in the 51st minute in a moment to forget for keeper Lincoln, a former Kent cricketer.

He appeared to have Hamill’s 25-yard strike covered, getting two hands to the ball, but could only help it into the net.

Brickies keeper Harley Earle came off his line to Noah Coppin as Salisbury finally threatened before the hour mark.

A big chance fell Sittingbourne’s way moments later with Lincoln gifting possession to Howard, who beat the stranded keeper but saw the ball drop inches wide.

What a moment for Henry Sinai after doubling Sittingbourne's lead. Picture: Ian Scammell
What a moment for Henry Sinai after doubling Sittingbourne's lead. Picture: Ian Scammell

Salisbury were coming into the game, though, enjoying their best spell and forcing Sittingbourne back.

The hosts defended their box brilliantly, getting men behind the ball, to frustrate their higher-league opponents.

Sittingbourne went on to make the game safe in the first minute of added time.

More good work from Kingsford saw him round Lincoln and Sinai applied the finish.

There was a glimmer of hope for Salisbury in the seventh minute of added time when Silva scored from the spot.

It's clear what it means to Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell. Picture: Ian Scammell
It's clear what it means to Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell. Picture: Ian Scammell

Sittingbourne: Earle, Smith, Graham, Hamill, Steventon, Arthur, Howard (Lukombo 81mins), El-Mogharbel, Boachie, Kingsford, Sinai (May 90+2mins). Subs not used: Cosgrave, Beckford, Jones, Davidson.

Salisbury: Lincoln, Silva, Ragguette, Leggett, Carroll, Sommerton, Jombati, Watts, Dore (Perez 62mins), Elliot-Wheeler, Coppin (Coxe 80mins). Subs not used: Rutte, Penny, Lewis.

Referee: Richardson.

Attendance: 706.

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