A run in The FA Vase would be great for the club so we will be going flat out in trying to make that happen, says Sheppey United boss Ernie Batten

SHEPPEY UNITED boss Ernie Batten says a run in The FA Vase would be great for the club.

The club were promoted from the Kent Invicta League last season after finishing runners-up to Bearsted and they go into tomorrow’s FA Vase Second Qualifying Round tie at Chichester City sitting in third-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table on 18 points from their 10 league outings.

Sheppey United are three points adrift of league leaders AFC Croydon, whom have two games in hand.

“Our last game at Rochester on Wednesday evening was a good performance, especially as Rochester were unbeaten so far this term,” said Batten of the 2-1 win.

“We really played some good football against a tough side who give nothing away.

“Our away form has been excellent winning four out of five games. I think our home form is something we will have to keep working at as teams are coming to Holm Park with a plan and we’ve found it difficult to break teams down, although we’ve dominated some games. 

“Also, we have been enjoying playing in front of home crowds in excess of 300 and it’s possible frustration plays a part the longer the game goes on.

“I think when we play away the emphasis is on the home team to come out a bit, which enables us to play through teams.

“The SCEFL Premier is a tough league and unforgiving. We are still learning, trying to improve and building for the future.

“Overall, so far, I’m reasonably happy with our points total but there’s still a long way to go.”

Batten takes his side to Chichester City in The FA Vase tomorrow, a side that sent Whitstable Town crashing out of the competition.

“I’m expecting a very tough game,” said Batten.

“They knocked Whitstable out over two games in the last round so we can’t afford to drop our levels of recent performance.

“I regularly preach to the players in working hard and taking pride in their own individual performances as I believe consistency breeds success.

“A run in The FA Vase would be great for the club so we will be going flat out in trying to make that happen.”

Chichester City go into the game in the top five of the Southern Combination Premier Division with 16 points from 7 games – eight points behind leaders Shoreham.

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

Chichester City  v  Sheppey United
The Buildbase FA Vase Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 24^th September 2016
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Oaklands Park, Oaklands Way, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 6AR