A solitary second half strike from Ricky Gundry was enough for Lordswood to join their Medway neighbours Chatham Town at the top of the fledgling SCEFL table.
But quite how Sheppey United lost their unbeaten record on chances created will remain a mystery, especially to hat-trick hero from opening day Dan Bradshaw who on another day could have left Martyn Grove with another match ball.
But Gundry’s terrific strike midway through the second half after a truly amazing run and cross from Jason Hollick was to prove decisive as the home side joined the Chats with six points at the top of the table.
Sheppey started dominating possession but unable to get past the home defence brilliantly marshalled by Pete Huggens who played his 200th game for the club on opening day. Gundry was unlucky with Lordswood’s first shot forcing Sheppey keeper Dan Ellis into a great save. Ellis was then relieved as he spilled Hollick’s shot only for Jack Mahon to lift the rebound over the bar.
The let off spurred the visitors into life and Bradshaw then delivered a great cross but Remell Davis couldn’t make any contact. Ellis then made another fantastic save to deny Michael Freiter’s bullet header, before at the other end Davis turned provider for his strike partner but Bradshaw couldn’t make contact with the ball as it came across him into the box. The half ended as Ellis furiously back pedalled to palm Mahon’s cross over the bar.
The second half began very cagily as both sides seemed intent to taking any advantage that that their opponents could present. But then Hollick delivered the perfect centre for Gundry who did the rest, sparking scenes of great celebration amongst home fans.
Gundry was then denied a second by another fine Ellis save as the home side looked to double their advantage as Sheppey tried to get level. And just how Lawrence didn’t as he allowed a defender back to clear after creating himself room in the box only he will know.
It really was a night to forget for the Sheppey number nine as with the clock already showing 90 minutes, Lawrence just couldn’t direct his free header from a brilliant Ian Batten cross on target – indeed the ball went closer to the large band of travelling support rather than the goal.
A delighted Lords boss Richard Styles admitted after the game, “we knew it was going to be tough – it always is against Sheppey! Obviously delighted with two wins out of two; we were missing a few tonight and I felt that if we played anywhere near our potential, we could get a result. And I think on chances we thoroughly deserved the win.”
“Six points out of six is great to take into Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Sevenoaks Town as even at this early stage, a financial boost that we could certainly do with as well as breaking my duck as a manager in the competition!”
“But we’ll enjoy tonight first.” Styles, then dedicated the win to former Lordswood stalwart Denis Caulfield who sadly passed away a year ago today.
Still missed by everyone at Martyn Grove, Mr Caulfield would have certainly been smiling down on this particular part of Medway this evening…
LORDSWOOD – Coxall, Harrold, Hollick, Huggens, Matthews, Freiter, Huggins, Mahon, Wells, Gundry
Subs – Creed, Smith, Hooper, Webb, Carter
SHEPPEY UNITED – Ellis, Amoah, Cooper, Girt, Lee, Brown, G Batten, Davis, Bradshaw, I Batten, Akhazzan
Subs – Bates, Brunt, Pama, Butler, Glover