Sheppey United manager Kevin Watson enjoying the competitive nature of Isthmian South East as Ites prepare for Kent derby with Faversham Town

Sheppey United manager Kevin Watson says nobody can take anything for granted in Isthmian South East.

A competitive division is once again providing plenty of entertainment as the sides head into Christmas.

The Ites, who lost 3-2 away to Hastings at the weekend, sit ninth, 10 points outside the play-off places.

Watson, whose side are preparing for the visit of Faversham this Saturday (3pm), is enjoying being part of the division after a year out of management.

There’s all to play for in the second half of the season.

“The teams who do well in the league are the ones that have consistency,” said Watson.

“You look at Three Bridges, they’re top because they win a game in the 96th minute (beating Ashford 5-4 on Saturday).

“Last year you had Ramsgate, who were extremely strong, and Sittingbourne, who are strong again this year, but it’s a league where nobody can take anything for granted.

“You’ve got the team at the bottom, East Grinstead, making some really good signings, and week to week, no one can relax, there’s no whipping boys, for want of a better term.

“We’re just over the mid-point of the season, and you couldn’t call the results every week.

“It’s a really good league to be involved in because geographically there’s a lot of derbies, with your Sittingbournes, your Margates, your Herne Bays, your Favershams, your Ashfords.

“We’re probably a little shy of where we wanted to be at this stage but we’ve still got quite a few games left.”

Faversham sit fourth after a flying start following promotion as Southern Counties East champions.

Tommy Warrilow’s side will pose a stern test at Holm Park but it’s a game the Ites are looking forward to.

“Faversham are absolutely flying and getting results every week,” said Watson.

“The