The FA Vase is a great competition and traditionally teams in our league have a great reputation in this competition, says Sheppey United coach Marcel Nimani

SHEPPEY UNITED coach Marcel Nimani says his side are on track with their season objectives but they are keeping their feet on the ground following their 100% start to the new season.

Ernie Batten’s side are third in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table, having sealed wins over Erith Town (4-2), Canterbury City (4-1) and they came away from Deal Town with a 3-1 win on Tuesday night.

The Ites have played First Division side Sutton Athletic in The FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round on opening night and sealed a 1-0 win before claiming an impressive 4-1 home win over Isthmian League South Central side Uxbridge.

“Result wise, things are going well in our camp.  We are on track with our season objectives, although as I’ve said before we remain with our feet on the ground as we have still plenty of areas to address performance-wise,” said Nimani.

“Ernie is an experienced manager and he knows what it takes to compete for top spots in our league.

“We have quite a tough fixture calendar coming up, in more ways then one.

“A rather disappointing fixture scheduling calendar for us having to play for games in eight days with unorthodox days, playing on Sunday and Monday.  A lot of our players in shift-based jobs are making arrangements and it’s been a challenge for a few.

“On Tuesday night we concluded a great win at Deal Town and that was a real test of character and professionalism.

“Due to Operation Stack on the journey there, we had quite a few of our players turn up 15 minutes before the kick-off.

“Credit to the boys, they remained calm and focused and got the job done.

“Deal are a great side this year, even stronger than last year, I thought.  Well-organised, physically strong with two great wingers (Jack Paxman and Troy Howard) who get in great crossing positions.

“The management team (Derek Hares and Steve King) have done a brilliant job there and if they keep this moment up a lot of teams will struggle against Deal Town.”

Sheppey United play Croydon in The FA Vase First Qualifying Round on Sunday.

The game is being played at Glebe’s Foxbury Avenue ground in Chislehurst as Croydon Council have closed the Croydon Sports Arena due to Covid-19.

“We are looking forward to the game against Croydon on Sunday,” said Nimani.

“The FA Vase is a great competition and traditionally teams in our league have a great reputation in this competition.

“Albeit a division below us, Croydon are a tough side and their league results are a clear indication of their threat.

“They are a side competing for promotion and in my eyes any side with a winning mentality, regardless of their league status, have as good off a chance as the next team to progress in cup competitions.”

Visit Sheppey United’s website: www.sheppeyunitedfc.co.uk

Croydon  v  Sheppey United
The Buildbase FA Vase First Qualifying Round
Sunday 20 September 2020
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Foxbury Avenue, off Perry Street, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 6SD