Deal Town, as expected, proved to be a very gruelling side and it was a proper win, says Sheppey United assistant manager Marcel Nimani

SHEPPEY UNITED assistant manager Marcel Nimani says his side claimed a proper win over Deal Town at The Charles Sports Ground on Tuesday night.

Warren Mfula scored his eleventh goal of the season within the opening minute to secure a 1-0 win over Derek Hares’ side to maintain second-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table.

Ernie Batten’s side have collected 71 points from their 27 league games, three points behind leaders Chatham Town, who have a far superior goal difference but have played a game more.

Glebe remain in third-place with 58 points from 24 games, while Deal Town remain in fourth with 53 points from 25 games.

“It was what we called a proper win and possibly one of our strongest results of the season, along with the 2-0 win at Erith Town earlier in the season,” said Nimani.

“Deal Town, as expected, proved to be a very gruelling side.  I felt that with better finishing and perhaps a better playing surface, that game would have seen a lot more goals from both sides as enough chances were created.

“Deal Town were very strong on set-plays with Billy Munday winning pretty much every header and they also have an exceptional winger in Troy Howard.

“It was a tough evening for us but we held on and demonstrated the defensive resilience we have been working on throughout the season.”

Tenth-placed side Tunbridge Wells are the visitors to Holm Park tomorrow, two weeks after being knocked out of The FA Vase in the last 16, losing 3-1 at Hamworthy United.

“Tunbridge Wells is a great club with a strong side and they proved that with their incredible run in The FA Vase competition," said Nimani.

“With less games played in the league and no cup distraction, I believe they now have every chance of going on a good run and work their way up the league, where they belong.

“On Saturday, they will be one of our toughest opponents that we will have faced this season, I am sure of it.”

With Chatham Town and Sheppey United looking favourites to claim promotion into the Isthmian League, Nimani has high hopes for Deal Town and Tunbridge Wells next season.

“Both Deal Town and Tunbridge Wells are great clubs with sides in the making of promotion.

“I do believe if two teams go up this year, these two clubs would be a force to be reckoned with next season.  They are both ready for the next step.”

Deal Town coach Steve King said he was delighted with his side that they can compete against the likes of Sheppey United.

Sheppey United  v  Tunbridge Wells
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 26 February 2022
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Holm Park, Queenborough Road, Halfway, Sheerness, Kent ME12 3DB