Match Report: Sheppey United 1–2 Hastings United

Written By Lee Allen

Isthmian League South East Division

Sheppey United came into the match contending with several key squad updates. D'Jean Spencer was sidelined after suffering a hamstring issue in the recent fixture at Sevenoaks, while Shaq Gordon was unavailable due to suspension. On a positive note, Oghosa Williams stepped up to make his home debut for the Ites. Meanwhile, Alfie Evans and Mams Diallo remained on the injury list with no set return date.

The match kicked off at a slow pace, with both sides looking to establish control early on but battling against a strong wind. Sheppey saw an early corner cleared in the 2nd minute, while Hastings had their own set-piece opportunity cleared in the 16th minute.

Oghosa Williams looked lively on his home debut and came close in the 28th minute, firing an effort over the bar. Moments later, Cameron Andrews received the game's first yellow card (29'), before Hastings threatened with a header from a free kick that drifted wide (30'). With neither goalkeeper really breaking into a sweat, the teams went into the break level at 0–0.

Hastings opened the second half on the front foot, testing Harley Earle with a long-range effort in the 47th minute that the Sheppey keeper dealt with well. Mitchell Chapman then picked up a booking for the visitors in the 51st minute. Sheppey made their first change on the hour mark, with Jack Palmby coming on to replace Mikey Salako (60').

The breakthrough arrived in the 67th minute to the delight of the home support. A dangerous cross from Leonard found Oghosa Williams, who finished calmly to mark his home debut with a goal and put the Ites 1–0 up, and his 3rd goal in 2 games.

Shortly after the opener, Sheppey substituted Harry Lawrence for Joe Ganiwa (70'). However, Hastings pushed back hard as the game entered its final quarter. Mo Dabo gave away a free-kick on 78 mintues, which when it was delivered a flicked header from substitute Freddie Legg equalised for the away side to reset the balance at 1–1.

Just two minutes later, Hastings completed a rapid turnaround when another substitute, Warren Mfula, the former Ites striker, went up for a header with Andrews who went down claiming a foul, Legg flicked on for Kesna Clarke to slot the ball home to give the visitors a 2–1 lead.

Sheppey shuffled their pack in search of an equaliser, introducing Alfie Hilden for Cameron Andrews (85') and Sobhee-Turner for Dabo (88').

The Ites pushed forward relentlessly in stoppage time and came agonizingly close to rescuing a point in the 92nd minute, when Harlain Mbayo rose to meet a ball only to see his powerful header rattle off the crossbar. Despite the late siege, Hastings held on to secure all three points in a dramatic finish.

Lineups & Match Details

  • Sheppey United XI: Earle, Lawrence (Ganiwa), Dabo (Sobhee-Turner), Wisson, Mbayo, Clark, Andrews (Hilden), Adjei-Hersey, Leonard, Williams, Salako (Palmby)

  • Unused Subs: Godden

  • Goals: Williams

  • Bookings: Andrews, Palmby

Report: Lee Allen

Photo: Oliver Belcher

Lee Allen
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Match Report: Sevenoaks Town 1–2 Sheppey United