It’s been a fair few years since Sheppey United fans last witnessed a league fixture against local rivals Chatham Town – and the wait was well rewarded with a thumping 7-1 victory against the team from the Medway Towns.
Sheppey made a few changes from the team defeated in the FA Cup against Hastings with skipper Ian Batten and winger Timmy Babbington replaced for Jack Mahoney and Luke Harvey.
The home side started strongly and it wasn’t long into the game when local hero Dan Bradshaw edged the Ites in front to the delight of the home faithful. Moments later fellow forward Luke Harvey marked his home debut with a well taken finish to leave Chats keeper Ryan Nicholls no chance.
The pressure from the Ites continued, Tom Brunt making decent runs from right back against a weak left sided Chatham, whilst Luke Girt and George Batten won every ball in the middle of the park.
Jack Mahoney was unlucky when he struck the Chatham post, but goal number 3 didn’t take long, Bradshaw again the marksman.
Goal of the game came on the 27th minute, Luke Harvey lobbing Nicholls to send the home fans in raptures.
Sheppey were thriving and goal five came just before the break, another local lad Luke Girt shooting from the edge of the box and into the corner of the net.
Half time: Sheppey United 5 Chatham Town 0
The Ites could have been forgiven if they decided to take their foot off the gas, but that wasn’t to be. Dan the man Bradshaw completing his hat-trick after springing an offside trap that’s probably still watching and waiting for the ball now.
Bradshaw claimed his 4th goal minutes later when George Batten found him in space to convert the score line to 7-0.
Sheppey rolled the subs on, giving game time to the likes of Hicham Akhazzan and Trey Williams before the Chats scored a consultation goal.
Akhazzan went on to hit the crossbar from all of 30 yards from a free-kick with the Ites still pressing forward. As the full time whistle below, Sheppey manager Ernie Batten must have been delighted with the 7-1 victory but will also be hoping injuries picked-up by Jon Ralph, Luke Harvey and Kwasi Amoah all clear ready for the short trip to Whitstable Town on Bank Holiday Monday.