Ashley Sains’ winner completed a perfect day for Sheppey on their new 3G pitch.

It was a special occasion for the club after a summer of change at Holm Park, and the last thing the Ites management wanted was a bad result to spoil it.

Fisher were looking to play party-poopers on Saturday but Sheppey kept plugging away and a crowd of 288 went home happy after summer signing Sains’ strike earned a 1-0 win.

“There was a great atmosphere,” said head coach Marcel Nimani.

“It was such a long time since we’d played a competitive game at home.

"With no restrictions on capacity, and with the new facilities, everyone was really excited, full of anticipation and couldn’t wait for the game to start.

“Everyone had worked so hard to get us to a position where we could host our first game on the new pitch.

“Both Ernie (Batten, manager) and I knew it was supposed to be our day and we were wary that when everything’s going for you, it can easily be spoilt by the result.

“Fisher lock the gates really well away and they’d won their first game 5-0, so we knew they’d be tough.

“As predicted, they turned out to be very difficult to break down but we got the goal and it was a fantastic day.”

Sains won Southern Counties East and reached the FA Vase final with former club Cray Valley. So he was never going to be overawed by the occasion.

Nimani said: “It was a really impressive home debut from Sainsy.

“He was patient at the beginning of the season - he didn’t play in the first two games - but he did well in the FA Cup and earned his place on Saturday.

"This is a guy who’s won the league and been to Wembley in the Vase - he thrives on the big occasion.

“We spoke about patience and playing the ball into certain areas to be effective against a side who sit deep. We did that and it paid off.”

Sheppey, who were due at Punjab last night (Tuesday), host Southern Combination League Saltdean in the FA Cup preliminary round this Saturday.

Nimani said: “With them being a distance away we don’t know as much about them as we do the local teams but, from my research, they’re one of the wealthiest clubs in their league.

“They’re a very attacking side who keep the ball well, and I’d imagine this is going to be a very even game.

“I suppose the fans and the players like playing new teams.

“I’m a perfectionist, and like to be fully prepared for everything, so I don’t enjoy these games so much when the opposition are something of an enigma.

“But we’ve got experienced players who can digest information and adjust and both Ernie and I pick up on things during games.

“Ultimately, though, the better we are at playing our game always remains the key concept.”

Read more: The latest sports news in Kent