Sheppey United boss Ernie Batten on a 2023 to remember as Holm Park outfit make FA Cup history and remain in this season’s Isthmian South East play-off mix

Boss Ernie Batten has described 2023 as a dream year for Sheppey United.

The Ites, in just their second campaign in Isthmian South East, are again in the play-off mix after they narrowly missed out on a top-five finish last term.

Sheppey also delivered their best FA Cup run, reaching the First Round earlier this season.

They even led against League 2 Walsall last month before they succumbed to a 4-1 loss. That run helped the Ites earn more than £20,000 in prize money alone and put the club in the national spotlight.

“It’s been an absolutely fantastic year for us,” admitted Batten.

“If somebody had said you would be live on TV in the FA Cup First Round and sit where we are now in the league, we would have been delighted.

“It’s a dream, really. We’re very happy with it.”

Report: Sheppey 3-3 Sittingbourne

Sheppey’s boss on their derby comeback

Batten’s troops are fifth, despite having played more league games than most of their rivals, after coming from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 at home to Swale neighbours Sittingbourne on Boxing Day.

They started the incredible comeback just after winger Danny Leonard was introduced.

The manager admitted bringing on Leonard and playmaker Jacob Lambert made a huge difference, as they both returned from injury.

He said: “They injected some flair into the team.

“They gave us some width and some vision in there, and were catalysts for why we got back into the game.”

Defender Briggs Ojemen, captain Richie Hamill - with a sublime lob - and Dan Bradshaw scored before the visitors, also challenging for promotion, had a last-gasp goal ruled out.

On the dramatic derby, Batten reflected: “There were two good sides there and it could have gone either way.

“It was just a classic derby match and