Having seen this match previously postponed twice it was a case of third time unlucky for The Brickies as they made the trip to Barnehurst last night.

Followed by some very vocal support, the away side nearly started in the worst possible way as in only the second minute Phoenix saw a cheeky back heel flick rebound of the post.

On another cold wet night in North Kent it was the home side who pretty much commanded proceedings from the start forcing a number of corners in the opening 20 mins. Under the watchful eye of manager Paul Byron the boys in green probed away at the visitors on the very heavy sand covered pitch. 

It took 24 minutes for the deadlock to finally be broken as a corner on the right was only partially cleared before a cross to the far post allowed captain Jack Hopkins to chip over the keeper from around six yards out to the delight of the home support.

Further efforts came and went for the home side who found themselves unlucky not to be further ahead due to some gutsy Brickies defending.

The second half started and so unfortunately did more rain. A heavy downpour made a difficult pitch even harder as both teams looked to attack.

Just as the Brickies appeared to be getting into the game a Phoenix free kick provided a very memorable moment for the home support, staff and players.

With the free kick brilliantly whipped in Ryan Andrews met it with perfection to double the home sides advantage. The goal being the first time Andrews has scored in his seven seasons at Mayplace Road.

Following some substitutions Sittingbourne grew into the game with Sid Sollis turning well before seeing his shot go narrowly past the wrong side of the post.

As the clock ticked down it was another pin point cross field ball that released Kenny Aileru who out sprinted Samuel Stace to coolly fire high past Perrin and complete the deserved 3-0 victory.

The three points see Phoenix return to the top half of the table ahead of Saturdays visit of Whyteleafe. While Sittingbourne find themselves in 16th ahead of the visit of Haywards Heath Town.

Phoenix – Phillips, Douglas, Whitelock, Hopkins, Clark, Chin, O Andrews, Duah-Kessie, Bird, Aileru, R Andrews

Subs – Dyer, Solan, Busby, McGrady

Sittingbourne – Perrin, Walter-Wright, Shirley-Clark, Brodie, Allan, Fitchett, Stace, Eze, Campbell, Sollis, Barnard

Subs – Oladejo, Bramble, Hanson, Philip, Caney-Bryan

Goals Hopkins (24) R Andrews (56) Aileru (89)

Attendance 53