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Isthmian South East sides Sheppey United and Ramsgate among those to progress to the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round

22:30, 30 September 2023

updated: 14:10, 01 October 2023

Four-star Sheppey made history on a mammoth away trip to Merthyr Town on Saturday, winning to book their place in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round.

After the 226-mile journey to Wales, Ernie Batten’s Ites fell behind in the 18th minute but quickly responded through Josh Wisson.

Sheppey United’s history-makers celebrate after they win 4-1 at Merthyr Town on Saturday in the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. Picture: Marc Richards
Sheppey United’s history-makers celebrate after they win 4-1 at Merthyr Town on Saturday in the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. Picture: Marc Richards

Fellow midfielder Richie Hamill put them ahead with 20 minutes to go, and late goals from winger Danny Leonard and substitute Oscar Housego secured their 4-1 success in front of a crowd of 989. It’s the furthest Sheppey have ever gone in the competition.

Another Isthmian South East side from Kent, Ramsgate, will join Sheppey in the hat for Monday’s draw after their 2-1 win against Southern League Division 1 South Frome Town.

Benedict Bioletti, a first-half substitute after fellow midfielder TJ Jadama came off injured, drew first blood three minutes into the second period with a header in front of a crowd of 720.

Defender Jack Parter doubled their advantage in style with his second goal in two games and, although the visitors pulled one back late on at Southwood, Ben Smith’s side held on. The Rams - like all winning sides at this stage - pocketed £5,625.

Thanet rivals Margate were knocked out, though, beaten 2-0 at Chesham United as player-coach Phil Roberts came off for the Isthmian Premier outfit after just 12 minutes.

Sheppey’s supporters make the most of their journey to Wales. Picture: Marc Richards
Sheppey’s supporters make the most of their journey to Wales. Picture: Marc Richards

An 88th-minute Adam Coombes penalty saw Cray Valley manager Steve McKimm earn a thrilling 3-3 draw and a replay on his first return to former club Carshalton since his departure.

Defender Arthur Lee netted in the second minute for the Isthmian South East Millers but the hosts roared back to lead 3-1, only for forward Kyrell Lisbie - son of Jamaican international Kevin Lisbie - to immediately get one back in front of a 543-strong crowd.

It looked like Carshalton might hold on until striker Coombes fired home, Lisbie winning the spot-kick, to set up a replay on Tuesday.

Zidan Sutherland made the difference as National League South Dover came from behind to beat early-season Isthmian Premier strugglers Haringey 2-1.

Borough led at half-time after Khalifa Jabbie’s goal, only for substitute Sutherland to bag a second-half double at Crabble. Both his efforts came from assists by on-loan AFC Wimbledon player Paris Lock.

Midfielder Josh Wisson celebrates making it 1-1. Picture: Marc Richards
Midfielder Josh Wisson celebrates making it 1-1. Picture: Marc Richards

Levi Amantchi scored twice for the second week running as National League South Maidstone progressed.

His goals came five minutes apart early in the second half and gave United a 2-0 victory over lower-division Winchester.

Welling left it late to set up an FA Cup Third Qualifying Round replay at Park View Road on Wednesday, drawing 2-2 away to Gosport.

Tristan Abrahams’ goal at the death ensured it finished 2-2 between the hosts and the 10-man Wings.

After a first-half in which Welling looked fairly comfortable, taking a one-goal lead into the break via Kain Adom’s strike, the game was turned on its head early in the second half when the visitors had the same player sent off for a second booking on his first competitive start for the club and the hosts got themselves 2-1 ahead.

Skipper Richie Hamill gets Sheppey’s second. Picture: Marc Richards
Skipper Richie Hamill gets Sheppey’s second. Picture: Marc Richards

But striker Abrahams’ effort seven minutes into injury-time brought a huge sigh of relief for Danny Bloor’s troops.

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