Sheppey United striker Dan Carr scores on his first start back from long-term injury after replacing skipper Danny Leonard in the warm-up

Sheppey striker Dan Carr scored on his first start since recovering from injury - having originally been named on the bench.

Carr came into the starting XI as a late replacement for skipper Danny Leonard, who felt his hip in the warm-up before the Ites’ home game against East Grinstead on Saturday.

That meant an opportunity for Carr, who scored four goals in eight appearances before suffering a serious knee injury last September.

He broke the deadlock in a 3-1 victory, with Sheppey 10th in Isthmian South East after back-to-back victories.

Carr made his comeback as a late substitute in a 4-1 victory at Broadbridge Heath last weekend and stepped in after Leonard’s setback.

“That was Dan’s first start since the injury,” said manager Geoff Record.

“I left him on for about an hour and then took him off as a precaution because he’s a good player and if we can have him fit for the last few games and build up his minutes, he’ll be useful.

“He only started because Danny Leonard pulled out in the warm-up.

“Danny’s had this hip problem which kept him out for three months, and he was ill last week.

“He joined in the training on Thursday and felt his hip again in the warm-up, so we had to change it.

“Luckily enough, the referee cooperated and everyone was OK about it.

“I’ve seen Dan a lot sharper but what do you expect after five months out?

“I was pleased with what he did while he was on and he could have had another goal before the one he scored.

“He couldn’t quite get his shot off but give him another game or two and those chances will be going in.”

Aiden Prall made his eighth penalty save this season after Sheppey conceded a spot-kick while leading 1-0.

Buoyed by the save, they pulled clear with second-half goals from Gil