Velocity Cup, 3rd Round
Sheppey United delivered a dominant performance at home to secure a impressive 3–0 victory over Ramsgate in the Velocity Cup, highlighted by a standout debut performance from Ollie Sotoyinbo and a sensational long-range strike by 16-year-old Freddie Godden.
The Ites came into the fixture missing several key figures through injury, with D'Jean Spencer joining Mams Diallo, Mo Dabo, Cameron Andrews, and Alfie Evans on the sidelines. Managerial squad rotation saw Josh Wisson and Danny Leonard rested ahead of two upcoming away league games, handing starting opportunities to several bench players. Harley Earle took the captain’s armband and ‘stood tall’ in goal throughout the night.
First Half
01' — Captain Harley Earle set the tone early with a vital save in the opening minute.
12' — Earle was called into action again, tipping a powerful shot over the crossbar before the resulting corner was cleared.
15' — Oghosa Williams went on an energetic solo run, driving into the box to win a corner. Ramsgate keeper Jonny Henly safely claimed the follow-up set piece.
19' — Debutant Ollie Sotoyinbo created danger down the left wing; his cross-shot was parried out to Alfie Hilden, who fired over the bar.
22' — Ramsgate threatened from a corner, but Ethan Cole cleared cleanly. Shaq Gordon launched a swift counter-attack, picking out Ben Clark, whose effort was held by Henly.
24' & 32' — Sotoyinbo stayed heavily involved, heading over from a cross before narrowly failing to convert a dangerous low ball into the box.
34' — GOAL (1–0): Sheppey broke the deadlock. Sotoyinbo did brilliant work down the left flank before picking out Oghosa Williams, who applied the finish to give the Ites the lead.
43' — GOAL (2–0): Roles reversed for Sheppey's second goal. Williams surged down the right wing and played a sharp ball across to Ollie Sotoyinbo, who tapped home to mark his debut with a goal.
Half-Time: Sheppey United 2–0 Ramsgate
Second Half
49' — Shaq Gordon’s deflected shot earned a corner, which Ramsgate managed to head clear.
54' & 58' — Earle produced two brilliant saves in quick succession—first stopping a low drive at his near post, then diving to deny Ramsgate from close range to preserve the clean sheet.
59' — Substitution: Mikey Salako replaced goalscorer Oghosa Williams.
66' — Substitution: Amin Gurgol came on for debutant Ollie Sotoyinbo.
75' — Substitution: 16-year-old Freddie "Chip" Godden entered the pitch, replacing Jack Palmby.
79' — GOAL (3–0): A moment of magic from the substitute. Gurgol picked up the ball on the left side and passed central to Freddie Godden, who unleashed a masterful strike from 25 yards out into the net to seal the match in style.
82' — Hilden’s powerful drive was pushed away for a late corner, where Cole’s flicked header went just wide.
Lineups & Match Details
Sheppey United XI: Earle, Ganiwa, Kabamba, Cole, Mbayo, Clark, Palmby (Godden) Hilden, Sotoyinbo (Gorgol), Williams (Salako), Gordon
Unused Subs: Lawrence, Adjei-Hersey,
Goals: Williams, Sotoyinbo, Godden
Bookings: 0
Report: Lee Allen
Photo: Marc Richards