Sheppey United beat AFC Croydon Athletic with a goal from returning midfielder Billy Bennett – Ites face Steyning Town Community and Sittingbourne over the Easter weekend

Midfielder Billy Bennett’s proving that sometimes it’s good to go back.

Bennett captained Sheppey United during their historic quadruple-winning season and recently returned to the club, appearing in their last four games.

The Ites have won their last three matches and Bennett’s played a key role in the upturn in form - hitting the winner on Saturday as they beat AFC Croydon Athletic 1-0.

Sheppey should have won the Isthmian South East contest by more, but manager Geoff Record was delighted to see Bennett get his first goal since returning to Holm Park.

Record said: “Some people might have thought ‘Why are we signing Bill?’ I think he has more than proved his worth.

“He’s worth his weight in gold, and in terms of his contribution in the last two games, he has been absolutely outstanding.

“He’s been everywhere, done everything, he’s had chances, scored a goal and on top of that his knowledge of football is very helpful on the pitch for our young lads.”

Record had shaken hands with Billy’s dad Ricky before the match. He tried to sign him back in the day, during his previous stint as manager.

“It is funny how things turn out,” said the Ites boss.

“Football’s in the family and his dad was a top player.

“He played for a number of London clubs and I was up against him when I played for the likes of Whitstable. I remember trying to sign him when I was Sheppey manager before.

“It was good to see him before Saturday’s match as I’d not seen him in a while.”

Bennett’s winner came on 51 minutes and Record couldn’t believe they ended up winning by just the one goal.

He said: “We played some good football and we created chances, those chances were spread around three or four of our players.

“It’s no exaggeration but how we didn’t win