Sheppey United 1 Ashford United 2 match report: Nuts & Bolts’ top scorer Gary Lockyer wins Isthmian South East game at Holm Park after Eitel Goueth cancels out James Dunne’s opening goal

Gary Lockyer got the winning goal in Ashford’s hard-fought Isthmian South East victory at injury-hit Sheppey on Saturday.

The Nuts & Bolts’ top scorer produced a typical striker’s finish just before half-time as it ended 2-1 after a goalless second period.

Lockyer’s goal came after stand-in Sheppey skipper Eitel Goueth had cancelled out the game’s opening goal from James Dunne, with the midfielder converting at the second attempt with his penalty having been saved.

Young Ashford wideman Gabe Campbell had forced a low first-minute save from goalkeeper Aiden Prall at Holm Park at the start of an entertaining 45 minutes.

Eight minutes later, midfielder Mike West gave the ball away, only for away keeper Mitchell Beeney to thwart forward Zion McLeod.

A flurry of opportunities then saw visiting left-back Matt Bodkin and home man David Johnson hit the target on a cold afternoon.

The last thing Ernie Batten’s depleted side needed was to be forced into an early change - but that’s exactly what happened, Jordy Ndozid hobbling off. He was replaced by Oluwadamilola Olorunnisumo in the 12th minute.

Bodkin again went close when he curled inches wide of Prall’s left-hand post for the Nuts & Bolts.

But Danny Kedwell’s troops did go ahead in front of a crowd of 434 on 18 minutes. Referee Michael Scott ruled Gil Carvalho had fouled Campbell and, while Dunne was denied from the spot by Prall, the 35-year-old stroked home the rebound for his fourth goal of the season.

Sheppey full-back Mamadou Diallo got in behind the defence but his effort didn’t have enough on it to beat Beeney.

The hosts did equalise in the 28th minute, though, as a swift counter-attack resulted in Jacob Lambert crossing from the left for midfielder Goueth at the back