Sheppey United remember Ernie Batten before 4-2 Isthmian South East defeat to Deal Town as Dartford see off Bognor Regis Town 2-0 to hit the Isthmian Premier summit

An emotional afternoon at Sheppey United saw legendary club figure Ernie Batten remembered on Saturday.

The Isthmian South East game against Deal was the Ites’ first since the club had announced the death of manager Ernie Batten, aged 67, last weekend.

A minute’s applause took place at Holm Park ahead of kick-off in memory of Batten, who was also a club director and played an immeasurable role in the club’s rebirth.

Striker Dan Bradshaw put Sheppey into a second-minute lead, only for goals from defender Josh Vincent, midfielder Ben Chapman (2) and forward Rory Smith past Sheppey’s debutant goalkeeper Lewis Briggs to have Steve King’s side 4-1 up by half-time.

After the restart, Bradshaw got his second, but that proved no more than a mere consolation effort.

Isthmian South East leaders Ramsgate maintained their advantage in the title race thanks to a 4-1 home win against Merstham.

Goals from defender Jay Leader and midfielder TJ Jadama put Ben Smith’s side in control inside the first 30 minutes.

While the Moatsiders pulled one back at Southwood through centre-back Matt Drage, midfielder Billy Munday restored the Rams’ two-goal cushion in the second half before substitute Josh Ajayi added an injury-time fourth.

Second-placed Sittingbourne beat Eastbourne 2-0 at home to keep the gap between themselves and Ramsgate at seven points.

Midfielder Troy Howard got things going for the Brickies at Woodstock on 26 minutes and striker Ade Azeez’s late penalty made sure of the points.

Fourth-placed Margate saw off basement boys Steyning Town Community to cruise to a 3-1 victory.

Wideman TT Walters bagged a first-half brace for Ben Greenhalgh’s men and striker Tom Derry also found the target after the interval, for his first club goal,