Sheppey United striker Dan Bradshaw faces a fitness battle ahead of FA Cup First Round clash against Walsall

Goals from Dan Bradshaw have proved vital in Sheppey’s journey to the FA Cup first round - but he’s facing a battle to be fit.

The striker scored in both games against Billericay, as they edged past the Essex side in a memorable Fourth Qualifying Round replay at Holm Park, but he hasn’t played since. Sheppey host Walsall in the first round on Friday night.

A complex back injury means he’s a major doubt and he’s doing everything he can to play in what would be the biggest game of his life.

“I’ve been doing a lot of physio, I have been going to freeze chambers and acupuncture, all sorts!” he said. “If I can’t kick a ball then there is no point me playing but hopefully I will be alright.

“If it was an everyday game I wouldn’t be playing Friday, no chance, but this is the biggest game of my life and I basically said to the physio, ‘I am playing it! I don’t care’.”

Bradshaw was patched up for the replay against Billericay, having scored in the first game which ended 1-1. He netted an opening goal early on before hobbling off after less than half an hour, having at least made an impact.

He recalled: “On the day of the replay they basically said to the physio ‘bodge him, do whatever you need to do so we can get something out of him!’ I was hoping I would get to half-time but when I came down from a header I landed and twisted and it went ping again, so that was that.”

Bradshaw admits his back is showing the signs of a long career netting goals in the lower leagues.

He said: “My back has been mangled for years and nothing has been done about it, it has had years of horrendous, horrible posture and weight carrying. The physio said I would be alright but it is the time span to get me right which is the issue.”

Bradshaw’s surname