Sheppey United player-boss Jack Midson has praised his young defence after playing a vital role in their winning run.

The Ites have won four in a row, with back-to-back clean sheets. They picked up maximum points against Hythe Town on Saturday in a 1-0 win.

• Hythe boss: 'We're 1-0 merchants either way'

The back four has recently consisted of Frankie Morgan, Sam Gale, Lekan Majoyegbe and the versatile Connor Wilkins.

Midson said: “They have an average age of 20-21, it is amazing, really. We know we can do it and we have to try and keep them together, with Aiden (Prall, the goalkeeper) as well.

“Their hard work and us getting the right personnel has led to us in getting clean sheets. It’s fair play to all of them.”

It ensured one goal was enough against Hythe, with Richie Hamill scoring it in the second half.

Earlier this week there were fitness doubts for goalscorer Hamill and Jacob Lambert, who has returned from a loan spell at K Sports. Lambert suffered an injury in the warm-up at the weekend.

Midson played against Hythe, stepping in to replace Warren Mfula. The club’s goal-hungry striker picked up a knock against Chichester City the week before. He’s had the double whammy of a jarred knee and a groin injury.

Midson said: “It is a shame about the injury but I came in, obviously a different player, but Jake [Embery] could play higher up and we created enough chances to win the game.

“Warren always gets goals, he creates a lot of chances himself and he has that pace and rawness in behind and slots them away. We may miss him for a couple of games but longevity for the rest of the season is more important.

“If myself or Jono Richardson (assistant) have to pop in for a couple of weeks we can.

“We have different attributes but sometimes it is needed and it helps budget-wise as well, rather than having to go and get other players in.”

Sheppey’s winning run has got them into the mix of teams chasing a play-off spot. Midson knows his men are capable of it but he doesn’t have the strength in depth when injuries, illness and suspensions kick in.

He said: “We had an honest chat with the staff, the committee and the chairman (before the season) and going up into this new league to finish mid-table would be brilliant.

“The players we’ve signed are capable of making the play-offs, we have shown that in the last five or six games, but we keep our feet on the ground and we are not in a position where other clubs have probably got that budget to sign another three or four players to have that push.

“Looking at where we are now compared to a few months ago, it’s amazing.”

The Ites host Littlehampton Town on Saturday (3pm). Their match at Three Bridges was called off on Tuesday because of a frozen pitch. It’s the second time the fixture has been postponed.