New signing Chris Arthur made a big impact on his Sittingbourne debut.

Arthur impressed in central defence as the Brickies drew 2-2 at Sevenoaks in Isthmian South East on Saturday.

Manager Ryan Maxwell was delighted with the 33-year-old, who’s joined from Isthmian North side Enfield.

The former Football League man, whose old clubs include QPR, Northampton, AFC Wimbledon and Crawley, added much-needed experience to the Bourne backline.

“Chris came in and had a great debut,” said Maxwell.

“He gained everyone’s respect in how he trained in the week and he was outstanding on Saturday.

“He can still run as well, so he added athleticism and experience to the group and was a big influence.

“That changed our dynamic a little bit and it gave confidence to others and increased others’ performances around him.

“I know a number of clubs were speaking to him from Isthmian North so we’re lucky to get him.

“He knows Bagasan Graham very well - they were at QPR together when they were young - and I think he knows one or two others.

“He’s a very good character and he had a couple of things to say after the game on Saturday, which you’d expect from an experienced player. I’m very happy to have him on board.”

Sittingbourne were unfortunate not to beat Sevenoaks.

They led twice at Greatness Park - Chris Harris and D’Sean Theobalds with the goals - but the hosts snatched a point.

“It was a good performance,” said Maxwell.

“I was very pleased with the overall performance but you don’t always get what you deserve.

“As I said to the lads, if they perform like that for 35 more games I’ll be extremely pleased.

“They carried out instructions and that was the difference in comparison to some of our previous performances.

“The overall mindset was very good as well.

“Sevenoaks’ first goal was a complete fluke - a cross that flew into the top far corner but these things happen sometimes.

“Their second was a very good goal but we’ve had chances to make it 3-2.

“We’ve hit the bar and the keeper made a fantastic save from a header.

“On paper, it’s a decent point but performance-wise we deserved three.”

It was no coincidence that Sittingbourne’s fine display coincided with talisman striker Harris’ return to the side.

Meanwhile, fellow goalscorer Theobalds goes from strength to strength in midfield.

“D’Sean was excellent on Saturday - he scored a very good goal and conducted our play," said Maxwell.

“He got on the ball a lot and played really well.

“He’s played a few good games for us now.

“He’s another one who’s well respected and I’m pleased for him.

“It feels like he’s adding bits to his game, which is good because he’s still quite young and he can keep improving.

“He’s got a great attitude and he’s a lovely player to watch.”

Sittingbourne, whose point at Sevenoaks saw them retain fourth spot, meet Erith & Belvedere at Woodstock this Saturday (3pm).

The Deres, promoted as Southern Counties East champions, are ambitious to kick on again.

“They’re a team to be respected,” said Maxwell.

“We’ve had them watched and we have an idea what to expect.

“I know they’re turning over personnel reasonably quickly, with a few ins and outs, and they’re obviously going for it this season, I think it would be fair to say.

“We’re expecting a good, competitive game and we take nothing for granted in terms of getting a result.

“We know it will be a difficult match.”

Sittingbourne have centre-half Sergio Uyi back in their ranks.

The Nigeria-born Italian, who played in Torino’s academy, initially joined the Brickies last season.

“We need to get him some minutes to sharpen his tools but he’s a decent player, is big Sergio,” said Maxwell.

“We can help get him back to full match fitness and get him involved.”