Chairman Matt Smith will be proud to see his Sheppey United side take part in the Kent Reliance Senior Trophy Final.

Sunday’s Kent Reliance Kent Senior Trophy Final has thrown up an intriguing game between two County sides who have both in recent years experienced highs and lows as Ashford United play Sheppey United at the Gallagher Stadium for the first “senior” silverware of the domestic season.

In an exclusive interview with KSN Football, we spoke to the Sheppey United chairman Matt Smith about the resurrection of senior football in that part of Swale…

Matt told us, “I was Chairman of Sheerness East in season 2012/2013 and I contacted Sheppey United FC whom at the time did not have a senior men’s playing team.”

“We then organised an amalgamation of the two clubs and in season 2013/2014 we won promotion from the Kent County Premier Division as Sheppey & Sheerness United FC.”

“The name was changed to Sheppey United FC for our first game in the Kent Invicta League in season 2014/15, and that’s where we’ve played ever since.”

We then spoke about the incredible history that the “original” SUFC enjoyed. “This great club has fantastic history and is a sleeping giant in Kent football,” the chairman told us.

“We have plans to improve our home at Holm Park even further. however was I expecting an average attendance of 234 this season!”

“I do think that the speed at which we’ve re-established the club is remarkable and I am thankful to all the supporters who have joined us on our journey. If we all dare to dream who knows where this journey will take us.”

The level of support that SUFC have enjoyed recently – the 715 gate for their recent game with Glebe had clubs four or five levels higher looking on enviously – has been nothing short of amazing, and even has surprised Smith who admitted, “If I am honest I was half expecting around 400 for the Glebe game, but to get 715 was unbelievable and the day will live long in my memory.”

“I know the supporters who come to Holm Park enjoy the atmosphere and generally stick around and this has added to the increase in numbers. Social media has helped our growth massively and the supporters banter is great and I am proud to say I am Chairman of this great club.”

And so to Sunday’s Final and the Chairman’s thoughts at five to two when the teams come out.

“I cannot wait to see the team run out at Maidstone FC and do our supporters proud. The Kent Senior Trophy Final will be a great occasion, but in my opinion the team still have a further 5 cup finals to play till the end of the season.”

“This will not actually be our first silverware given that we won the Kent Intermediate Shield in 2013/14 under our last manager. I missed that game because I was stuck in Washington on business, but am so looking forward to Sunday.”

“That said, I am immensely proud of the club as a whole be that from the PAN Disability All Star teams through to the first team and on Sunday we shall showcase this great club on a superb platform.”

“Cup Finals do not happen all the time so the players and managers will enjoy the day and play the game not the occasion, Ashford have had their own problems this year, but feel sure will be a very stern test.”

“We are obviously underdogs and if the players play to their potential then who knows, but either way I will be proud of what they have achieved to get to this final.”