In ever increasingly murky conditions, Sittingbourne and Whitstable Town played out an enjoyable draw which, once the mist that rolled into Bourne Park finally lifts, will do little for either side to achieve their end of season goals.

Nick Treadwell bravely headed the home side in front with the second half’s first corner, before Danny Williams persistance levelled for the visitors just past the hour mark, but the the end whilst a point keeps Sittingbourne in Play Off contension and takes Whitstable a further point nearer safety, both Jim Ward and Nicky Southall will know that they both really needed all three.

Sittingbourne could have been in front as early as the fourth minute when Hickam Azhazzan couldn’t hit the target with a free header. As the first half continued the visitors gradually got on top with player manager Nicky Southall rolling back the years with an inspirational display. It was the managers through ball that full back Thomas Brunt burst onto only to be denied by Sittingbourne keeper Adam Molloy, before a minute later James Morrish thundered in a drive that Molloy brilliantly palmed around his right post.

Southall then had a 30 yard free kick fly inches wide, before Joe Taylor could have had a ten minute hat trick as the first half closed. His first chance saw him stretch to reach Treadwell’s flick, but sadly for Sittingbourne, not being able to keep the ball down. Then he was denied well by Whitstable keeper Nick Shaw before on the stroke of half time, the former Margate striker beat Shaw with an angled drive which crashed into the side netting.

Within 90 seconds of the restart, Treadwell’s brave diving header put Sittingbourne in front, but sadly for the home side, the 47th minute header was to be his last involvement in the game for as he bravely threw himself to power home Akhazzan’s corner (which had been needlessly given away by the Whitstable defense), but as he did so he collided with a defender and the always hardening surface before being helped away to Hospital in an ambulance clearly in some distress holding his left shoulder.

The goal clearly stung the visitors, yet without their midfield general Sittingbourne couldn’t find the crucial second goal and were made to pay in the 64th minute when Williams’ persistence paid off as he forced the ball over the line after being blocked initially by a combination of Ryan Cooper and keeper Molloy.

Both sides had their chances late on to win the game in the gathering gloom as the mist rolled into Bourne Park from the River Swale. Excellent defending denied both Ryan Golding and Taylor – although the tackle that halted Taylor’s 87th minute charge brought gasps from the stands and loud penalty shouts from those in Sittingbourne red. Referee Yates (who was excellent throughout) waved away the appeals. Molloy then earned his side a point with a stunning save to deny Scott Heard and a brave block – along with a goal line clearance from Jonathan Hogg – to thwart substitute Dan Hanshaw last gasp effort.

Overall a point a piece was probably about right, but come the end of the season will both managers look back on this misty February night as two point dropped rather than one gained?

Sittingbourne – Mollloy, Cooper, John, Hogg, Gray, Girt (Baverstock 79), Taylor, Pettit, Golding, Treadwell (Winnett 47), Akhazzan (Loynes 56).

Subs – Coyne, Ward

Whitstable – Shaw, Brunt, Beecroft, Everitt, Harvey, Crimmen, Southall (Mackenzie 60), Morrish, Smissen (Hanshaw 74), Williams (Raggett 81), Heard.

Sub – Parkinson

Referee – Paul Yates (Maidstone)

Assistants – Peter Cruise (Sidcup) & Phillip Rowley (Canterbury)

Attendance – 156