Injuries to Dan Birch and Ashley Sains leave Sheppey United light in defensive options but Gillingham youngster Sam Gale has agreed to remain for the season; Jack Midson's men face Sevenoaks Town next

Sheppey United's strength in depth is being put to the test after suffering several defensive injuries.

Player-boss Jack Midson has been forced to shuffle his troops to keep it tight at the back but has been boosted by a deal that keeps Gillingham teenager Sam Gale at the club for the remainder of the season, a player at home in defence or midfield.

Midson has held informal talks with players that could step in and provide extra cover but isn't rushing into anything while his team continue to compete well in Isthmian South East.

Both Dan Birch and Ashley Sains picked up knee injuries in the win at Ramsgate on October 8, but Sheppey battled well against fellow high-flyers VCD Athletic on Saturday, losing 2-1.

"It gives others an opportunity," said Midson. "I have spoken to other players but at the moment we are in no rush to make signings, but if we can't get them back for a while we may have to strengthen.

"Matty Parsons has come on, he has had to fill in as left-sided centre-back. He is a natural left-back and he can play higher up, but he came in and did well.

"He went in there on Saturday and is likely to be there next Saturday (against Sevenoaks Town). With Frankie Morgan at left-back, we are solid in quite a few areas, which is why I made those signings in the first place. I knew this time would come."

Gale, 18, can play centre-half but is excelling as a holding midfielder. It's a learning curve for the youngster, who was substituted on Saturday after a booking.

Midson said: "He was unlucky, his endeavour and enthusiasm is there. He got a booking for actually winning the ball.

"The referee was adamant he didn't touch the ball, but he won it. An experienced player then tried to reel him in with some niggling