Shocked Kevin Hake wants a reaction from Sheppey United after they were thrashed in their biggest game of the season.

The Ites took the lead before losing 5-1 at Kent Invicta League title rivals Hollands & Blair last weekend.

It’s left United six points behind leaders Lydd ahead of a home match against struggling Meridian on Saturday (2pm).

Boss Hake isn’t giving up on the title but knows his fourth-placed side must put the Hollands result behind them.

He said: “You could liken it to when Newcastle beat Manchester United 5-0 a few years ago and still didn’t win the league. One-off games don’t decide titles, but we have given ourselves a mountain to climb.

“We’re a distance behind but we still have to play Lydd and the top four are capable of nicking points off each other. Meridian, without doubt, is a good fixture to look to put things right.

“All we can do is win our games and hope Hollands & Blair and Lydd drop points. It might happen, with the pressure they’re putting on each other.”