Committed defender Mo Dabo earns Sheppey United deal while Isthmian South East club also sign Shaquille Gordon and Ethan Cole – Pre-season continues with games against Beckenham Town and a Gillingham XI – Petts Wood & Holmesdale up next

New Sheppey United right-back Mo Dabo proved his commitment to the club long before earning a contract.

A deal for trialist Dabo was announced just before kick-off last Saturday and the player underlined his qualities with two goals in a 4-0 pre-season win over Beckenham Town.

Dabo netted twice from close range and striker Shaquille Gordon - who had also been on trial - has also done enough to earn a deal after finding the net against his former club.

Joint-manager Ian Batten claimed Dabo’s attitude has been every bit as impressive as his performances. The defender has made lengthy journeys from home and work to attend every training session and friendly during pre-season.

The right-back, who is based in Croydon, previously played under Ian and George Batten at K Sports, but has been reliant on public transport while waiting to take his driving test later this month.

Commenting on their new signing, Ian Batten said: "I dropped him a message and said, ‘Do you fancy coming?’

“He hasn’t missed a training session and he’s been available for every game. He comes straight from work in central London, getting a train to Queenborough and walking from there. He’s here about 45 minutes early for training because that’s what time the train gets in!

“Fortunately, he’s been getting a lift back closer to home from [fellow new signing] Shaquille, but his commitment alone has been so impressive, and he’s a great lad and a good defender.

“Hopefully he passes his driving test in time for the season, and he’ll be all good. That should make life a little bit easier for him.”

Dabo unfortunately picked up a knock in the win over Beckenham and he wasn’t involved in the midweek game against a Gills XI.

Josh Chambers scored for Sheppey from the