Match Report: Steyning Town 1–2 Sheppey United
Isthmian League South East Division
Sheppey United headed into this Isthmian League South East clash with a few notable absences. D'Jean Spencer remained sidelined with an ongoing hamstring issue, while both Alfie Evans and Mams Diallo are still without a set return date.
Sheppey United started brightly on a windy afternoon, looking dangerous from set-pieces early on. In the 6th minute, a corner swung in by Leonard found Mbayo, whose header picked out Josh Wisson, though his effort flew off target. Two minutes later, a goal kick caught in the wind fell to Dylan Adjei-Hersey; he cushioned a header into Oghosa Williams, whose deflected shot yielded another corner that Wisson fired just over the bar.
Steyning offered a brief threat in the 10th minute with a dangerous ball across the box, but the Ites quickly regained control. Cameron Andrews tested the Town defence with a pair of dangerous free-kicks, before Adjei-Hersey won another set-piece after cutting inside in the 13th minute.
The home side found themselves under increasing pressure, with Charlie Pitcher picking up the game's first booking in the 25th minute for a late challenge on Mo Dabo. Shortly after, a sharp cross from Wisson saw Harry Lawrence head across goal, only for Steyning keeper Alfie Mansell to gather.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 30th minute. Sheppey swung in a corner that saw a Lawrence header cleared off the line. The resulting second corner broke to Hilden, who picked-out Josh Wisson to execute a sublime half-volley into the net, putting the Ites 1–0 ahead.
Steyning pushed for a response as the half drew to a close, forcing key defensive headers from Lawrence and Andrews—the latter earning his 5th league booking of the season in the 34th minute for a foul. Sheppey nearly doubled their lead in the 38th minute when Williams picked out Adjei-Hersey, but his stabbed effort lacked the power to trouble Mansell. The Ites went into the break with a well-deserved lead, though it easily could have been more.
Steyning came out with renewed intent after the interval, testing Harley Earle in the 48th minute, but the Sheppey goalkeeper produced a smart save to preserve the lead. At the other end, Leonard's cross earned a corner after good work from Hilden, though Sheppey couldn't capitalise.
In the 59th minute, Sheppey made their first substitution, bringing on Mikey Salako for Williams. Steyning made changes of their own, introducing Conrad Honore and Jared Rance.
The home side's persistence paid off in the 65th minute when Adam Adam found the net to bring Steyning Town level at 1–1.
With the game finely balanced, both sides introduced fresh legs—Jack Palmby replaced Benjamin Clark in the 82nd minute for Sheppey. As the match entered its closing stages, both Lawrence and Wisson saw attempts blocked as the Ites hunted for a late winner. In the 85th minute, Hilden was set up by Lawrence, but his effort was blocked by a resolute Town defence.
Just as a draw seemed likely, magic struck in the 87th minute. Dylan Adjei-Hersey fed Harry Lawrence, who unleashed a sensational cross/shot from 30 yards out that went straight into the net after Salako and Mansell both challenged for the ball, to restore Sheppey's lead.
Steyning pressed late into stoppage time, but strong work up by Sheppey to managed to seal a hard-fought 2–1 victory on the road.
Match Details & Lineups
Starting XI: Harley Earle (GK), Harry Lawrence, Mo Dabo, Josh Wisson, Mbayo, Ben Clark (Jack Palmby 82'), Cameron Andrews, Alfie Hilden, Dylan Adjei-Hersey, Danny Leonard, Oghosa Williams (Mikey Salako 59')
Unused Subs: Joe Ganiwa, Simon Kabamba, Kaelem Sobhee-Turner
Goalscorers: Josh Wisson (30'), Harry Lawrence (87')
Bookings: Cameron Andrews (34')
Report: Lee Allen
Photo: Oliver Belcher