Stand-in manager Geoff Record has praised Sheppey players’ commitment in the absence of Ernie Batten.

Boss Batten missed the Ites’ 1-0 win over Broadbridge Heath on Saturday and the 2-2 comeback draw at Hythe on New Year’s Day.

Assistant manager Record took the reins and was delighted with the efforts of his side in taking four points out of six.

Batten is back for this Saturday’s home game against Chichester (3pm), with the Ites fifth in Isthmian South East.

“I’ve got previous experience of doing the job on my own,” said Record.

“Many years ago I was Herne Bay manager for a couple of years and Sheppey United’s manager for a couple of years.

“I’ve got a bit of background and it’s completely different to being an assistant because it comes back on you.

“Of the two games, we won one and drew one so I really enjoyed it.

“While Ernie’s been away, I cannot fault any of the lads’ commitment and desire to try and win a game for Sheppey United Football Club.

“We had some magnificent performances from two or three players over those games as well.

“I’ve got the utmost respect for all of them in terms of what they tried to do.”

James Taylor scored a late winner against Broadbridge, with Dan Bradshaw and Frankie Morgan on target as Sheppey fought back from two down at half-time to draw at Hythe.

Record always felt they were capable of getting back into the game – one he described as a “throwback”.

“It was an unbelievable game,” said Record.

“It was played in old-fashioned conditions - mud, rain and wind - and it was a very exciting and very finely balanced game.

“We were disappointed to be 2-0 down at half-time but all the boys were pretty upbeat and we decided let’s go for it.

“We were confident of getting those couple of goals back.

“We had a couple of chances to go 3-2 up before they had their two or three chances to win it.

“It was a brilliant game for the neutral and a real throwback in the conditions.

“Hythe are a very physical side and we try to stick to our principles of playing into feet.

“It nearly worked but at the end of the day, we were happy with what we got.”

Record felt D’Jean Spencer should have scored in a one-on-one from Danny Leonard’s pass before an extraordinary double save from Ites keeper Aiden Prall ensured a point.

Prall’s efforts had the stand-in manager lost for words.

Record said: “At the end of the game, we came into the dressing room and before I summed up the second half, I said to him, Aiden, that double save was so good, I don’t know what to say’.

“I’ve never seen anything like it. It was two world-class saves in about two seconds.

“Everyone just laughed and he had a big smile on his face.

“He’s been brilliant for us all season.”

Record feels Sheppey may need to strengthen to maintain a play-off push in the second half of the season.

It’s something he’ll discuss with Batten.

“If you look at the other teams in the top six, we haven’t got their squad sizes,” said Record.

“Perhaps moving forward, we need to try and address that a little bit just to boost the squad up.

“We operate on 14 players, really, and a couple of youngsters, who have been very committed.

“It’s something we’ll have to look at.”