For only the third time in the league this season, Faversham Town were unable to score as they shared the points with Sittingbourne after a quiet match at Woodstock Park.
Although he visitors already had a playoff place confirmed, Sittingbourne were still not mathematically safe from relegation as they got ready to welcome the Ryman Division One South’s top scorers but with the Brickies drawing four of their last six matches and Faversham suffering an unimpressive recent run of form the game would be wide open for either side to win.
Both managers made a plethora of changes after their recent matches, Nick Davis made three changes from his Sittingbourne side who returned from Guernsey after a 3-0 defeat, Billy French took the place of Peter Smith whilst Harry Smith and Kieran Oliver replaced Adam Williams and Hicham Akhazzan respectively. Likewise, Faversham manager Ray Turner made two substitutions from his team’s 1-0 win over Tooting and Mitcham, Aiden Sherlock replaced Jack Sullivan at right back and Jack Harris took the place of Stuart King.
Despite a slow start it was the visitors who had the first shot of the game when a cross from Ashley Brown was only cleared away as far as David Botterill but the midfielder’s dipping volley was pushed wide by Adam Molloy.
Soon though, after a period of misplaced passes Sittingbourne were able to work their way back into the match when a diving header from John Scarborough gave the hosts a corner but shots from Stefan Wright and Harry Smith were blocked before the ball was hurried away by the Faversham defenders.
The hosts continued to push forward but after Smith bundled his way through the Faversham defence he lost control of the ball, allowing Rob French to gratefully gather it into his arms.
French was challenged again minutes later when a lack of communication between the goalkeeper and Ashley Brown allowed Brown’s clearance to fall to the feet of Harry Smith but the Sittingbourne striker’s chipped effort flew over the goal.
The final chance of the half fell to Faversham’s Wayne Wilson but, after scoring the winner in the lilywhites previous game, he was unable to keep his free kick down, skimming the crossbar as it flew over Adam Molloy, meaning the game was level as half time approached.
The second half produced less chances, with both sides unable to produce any major chances throughout the half due to the intense nature of the derby game.
However, both sides did have one opportunity each to look for a winning goal, with just five minutes gone in the half Faversham’s Charley Robertson’s weaving run allowed him to cut inside onto his left foot and force Molloy into a low save as he threw himself to the ground, tipping Robertson’s effort wide.
Around twenty minutes later Sittingbourne had their best chance of the second half when Javlon Campbell’s through ball fell into the path of Kieran Oliver but Rob French came away from his line quickly to bravely save Oliver’s close range shot at the attacker’s feet, forcing Faversham’s seventh league draw of the season.
Both sides remain in the same positions as the start of the day with Sittingbourne needing just one more win to guarantee survival in the Ryman South, they will now prepare to visit 19th placed Chipstead whilst Faversham, who remain second, but only on goal difference, will welcome bottom club Horsham to Salters Lane.
Sittingbourne: Molloy, Brunt, Lee, French, Crimmen, Richardson, Wright, Cornwell, Smith, Campbell (Leon), Oliver (Akhazzan)
Subs not used: Gordon, Pilcher, Davis
Faversham Town: French, Sherlock, Brown, Wilson, Scarborough, Bourne, Robertson, Botterill (S King), Harris, Grant, Monger
Subs not used: Maxted, Sullivan, D King, Webber
Referee: Mr P Yates
Assistants: Mr A Stacchini, Mr P Zachwieja