Boss Ernie Batten has described 2023 as a dream year for Sheppey United.

The Ites, in just their second campaign in Isthmian South East, are again in the play-off mix after they narrowly missed out on a top-five finish last term.

Sheppey also delivered their best FA Cup run, reaching the First Round earlier this season.

They even led against League 2 Walsall last month before they succumbed to a 4-1 loss. That run helped the Ites earn more than £20,000 in prize money alone and put the club in the national spotlight.

“It’s been an absolutely fantastic year for us,” admitted Batten.

“If somebody had said you would be live on TV in the FA Cup First Round and sit where we are now in the league, we would have been delighted.

“It’s a dream, really. We’re very happy with it.”

Report: Sheppey 3-3 Sittingbourne

Sheppey’s boss on their derby comeback

Batten’s troops are fifth, despite having played more league games than most of their rivals, after coming from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 at home to Swale neighbours Sittingbourne on Boxing Day.

They started the incredible comeback just after winger Danny Leonard was introduced.

The manager admitted bringing on Leonard and playmaker Jacob Lambert made a huge difference, as they both returned from injury.

He said: “They injected some flair into the team.

“They gave us some width and some vision in there, and were catalysts for why we got back into the game.”

Defender Briggs Ojemen, captain Richie Hamill - with a sublime lob - and Dan Bradshaw scored before the visitors, also challenging for promotion, had a last-gasp goal ruled out.

On the dramatic derby, Batten reflected: “There were two good sides there and it could have gone either way.

“It was just a classic derby match and we’re pleased, in the end, that we have managed to get something.”

Leonard and Lambert might get more time on the pitch this Saturday amid a busy festive period. Sheppey will host Broadbridge Heath ahead of a New Year’s Day trip to Hythe.

Batten revealed: “Now the squad is getting fully fit and back in good shape - and we have three games in six days - there will be a rotation. Hopefully, they will feature on Saturday.

“We have a few options. You need quality players there, in case you get injuries and suspensions.

“You do need a squad where somebody can come in and fill that void in the same manner his team-mate has.

“They’re two big games coming up.

“After Boxing Day, we need to try to get the three points on Saturday. That’s very important.

“Then, it’s another big game on New Year’s Day at Hythe.

“Some managers will say ‘If you get two draws and a win, then you’re unbeaten’ but, if you get two wins and a loss, you get six points. I’d rather have the points than be unbeaten.”

Batten also hailed the job Ross Wiles did at Holm Park, with Wiles now having left to become new Lordswood manager Nicky Southall’s No.2.

Wiles had been an integral part of Sheppey’s youth set up and became interim first-team manager earlier this year.

“Ross has done an excellent job at Sheppey,” Batten noted. “He has helped build the youth section up.

“He was caretaker (manager) for a little while so all the best to him. Football is what it is.

“People get opportunities and he has decided to take that one over there, so good luck to him.”

Among those to follow Wiles to Lordswood have been striker Alex Willis and teenage midfielder Bailey Catherick.

Former Charlton hot-shot Willis did little wrong while with the club, scoring eight goals this term, but found chances limited as Bradshaw returned to fitness and Javaun Splatt was favoured.

When asked if those who have joined the Medway outfit could feature for the Ites again one day, Batten replied: “Possibly.

“Alex Willis has been very unlucky here.

“He scored six goals in seven games at one stage but Dan Bradshaw has come back fit. All (the strikers) have been scoring.

“I’d like to have kept Alex on the basis that you need a squad. But he wants regular starts and, aged 24, I’m happy for him to get that.”

United drew 2-2 at weekend visitors Broadbridge Heath on the opening day of the season, Bradshaw and defender Frankie Morgan on the scoresheet for them.