Sheppey boss Jack Midson was happy to take a punt on a striker who was a serial goalscorer in Charlton Athletic’s youth team.

Alex Willis declined the chance to turn pro with the Addicks in favour of a footballing education in America with Northern Kentucky University and then the Charlotte 49ers.

He recently returned to hometown Faversham, initially with Southern Counties East Division 1 side Strike Force, before being handed a chance to train at Sheppey. Midson was happy to give him an opportunity.

“He is a natural goalscorer - that fox around the box,” said Midson.

“He scored hundreds of goals at Charlton, went to America and was in the university team of the year, came back locally to Faversham and played games, to try and get fit again. The lads were telling me about him and I thought we would take a punt and get him in.

“If Faversham Strike Force are in the play-offs, he might go and help them out for the last few games to be a bit loyal, and fair play to him. He was there as it was local, he could get his fitness and sharpness back, but he knows he should be playing higher. He has to prove that at the level.”

Willis was on the bench at the weekend as The Ites pulled off a 3-0 win at Sevenoaks - their third win in a row to keep their play-off hopes alive in Isthmian South East.

Injuries to Mamadou Diallo and Ben Beard meant Midson’s plan to introduce Willis was scuppered. Goals from Josh Wisson, Danny Leonard and Jake Embery sealed the win.

Midson said: “It opened up once we got one and then two, they had to go for it. We probably had chances second half that we wouldn’t do normally if they were winning or if it was a draw.

“We know what they are like, a good passing side, we got close enough to limit their chances and limit their passes. It was one of those games where whoever scored first, it would then be difficult for the other team to get anything.”

Visitors to Holm Park this Saturday are third-placed Beckenham Town, who are still in with a chance of challenging for the league title. Sheppey will have no fears with the form they’re in.

Midson said: “Mentally, we have belief that we can go and beat teams like that.

“Beckenham are a good side, they have other strengths than Sevenoaks. They do try and pass it a bit, maybe not as good as Sevenoaks can, but maybe we will have to stand up to Beckenham a bit more with the men in their team, the grit they’ve got. Maybe match that and then have the quality to shine through, especially at home, when we do have possession of the ball.”

Midson admitted he apologised to Willis for not getting him on the pitch at Sevenoaks, but injuries forced his hand.

“He was unlucky and I apologised to him,” Midson said. “I don’t normally do it, but the plan was to put him on, whether we were winning or not, to give Warren Mfula a rest later on or maybe Eddie (Allsopp) who worked really hard, but we had two forced changes with Ben Beard (knee) and Mamadou (hamstring/calf). It takes it out of your hands.”

While youngster Beard picked up a knock, Richie Hamill’s return was well timed, coming off the bench to replace him.

“It was a perfect time to get Richie back, things fell into place,” said Midson. “Ben, we will have a look, he tried to carry on and play, but you could tell he was struggling with his knee. He got it caught on the 3G and twisted it.

“He was quite disappointed, a young lad coming in, he probably thought with Richie back he has lost his chance but that is never going to be the case. He is still in our plans, still training with us and still involved for the rest of the season if fit. He’s done really well.

“It is good competition for places and Richie will be the first to say he is not 100% fit, so we will manage both of them as we can.”

Off the field, Midson is already planning for next season, with talks progressing with the current team. Frankie Morgan has put pen to paper on a contract, securing his services "longer term" say the club.