Sheppey United hand forward Jerson Dos Santos a debut against Cray Valley – other players being looked at ahead of Isthmian South East match against Chichester City

lcawdell@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 20 March 2024

Sheppey United have recruited an experienced forward to help plug the gaps in attack and other targets are being looked at.

Jerson Dos Santos came off the bench for the Ites in Saturday’s home loss against Cray Valley following an injury picked up by Javaun Splatt in a midweek friendly that could keep him out for several weeks.

Sheppey United have made a new signing in Jerson Dos Santos Picture: Marc Richards

Three straight league defeats have dampened Sheppey’s play-off hopes and a game at fifth-placed Chichester this Saturday could prove vital in whether they are to remain in the hunt.

Sheppey director of football Matt Longhurst was instrumental in bringing Dos Santos to the club after manager Ernie Batten asked for extra cover in attack. While the play-off hopes are alive, they remain on the lookout for options elsewhere to help.

Longhurst said: “I don’t get too involved with the team, but after Jav got assessed Ernie said he needed someone for Saturday and it was about trying to find someone who was available, could complement what is already here and with a personality that fits.

“Trying to do that at this stage of the season isn’t easy, but having done this for a long time I know so many players.

“He came off the bench and did well on Saturday and he suits the profile of the team, he is a bit more experience, adds physicality, can hold the ball up and can get behind. If you get the best version of him he is as good as anyone in this league. Hopefully he can come in and hit the ground running and add to what they’ve got.

“When we get Jav back in a week or two we will have more strength in depth in the front areas. We haven’t scored enough goals of late and I think, if he can, Ernie will look to keep them both but he has to balance the books as well.

“I know he would like to get one or two in, which I am looking at over the next few days, if we can do one or two bits we will, again in the front area and maybe another defender.

“We haven’t got loads of cover and with 10 games remaining you need to win eight of those to give yourselves a chance of play-offs.

“We are in a bit of a catch-22 where, do you have a go and get one or two in for the next few games bearing in mind they have to stay until the end of the season, or do you give an opportunity to one or two of your young players if they’re ready?

“I think we have to get one or two in with the rest of this year in mind and look at them for next year as well.”

Sheppey United manager Ernie Batten Picture: Marc Richards

Isthmian South East table

Title-chasing Cray Valley won 2-0 at Sheppey on Saturday, opening the scoring early in the second half.

The Ites were without Danny Leonard (illness) and captain Richie Hamill (suspended) but both are set to return this Saturday.

While Sheppey didn’t get the result they wanted on the field, the biggest league crowd of the season was in attendance as the club continues to try and grow their fanbase.

Unfortunately for a third game running a big crowd - this time numbering 802 - were unable to see Batten’s side pick up any points.

“The stuff we’re doing off the pitch is really taking off,” said director of football Longhurst.

“I spoke to Ernie and Tony (Hughes, the chairman) after the game and they’re happy with the way that side of things is going.

“It’s just a bit frustrating that those three games have seen us lose three, which isn’t ideal as you want these people to come back but having said that we have had fantastic feedback from families who have come for the first couple of times and it’s been great for them to get the opportunity to watch live football in a stadium with so many people.

“The previous two results were frustrating, Merstham we should really be beating at home, having lost 1-0 and lost last Saturday (against Sevenoaks) after being 3-2 up and kind of in control of the game. To have a man sent off and end up losing 4-3 was frustrating but from a neutral point of view it was a good game. We could have got something from those games.

“On Saturday we lost to a team that on paper and in the league table is in front of where we are, which is fine, but having come off the back of two losses it was probably a little more disappointing that it was, although speaking to Ernie and Geoff (Record, the assistant) after the game they were a bit disappointed in the performance level and that it is something they are looking at.”