Sheppey United player-manager Jack Midson faces a one-match ban after a late dismissal in Monday’s Swale derby.

The Ites suffered a 1-0 defeat to neighbours Sittingbourne at Holm Park and while searching for a late equaliser Midson picked up two yellow cards in the space of a minute while players jostled for positions in anticipation of a stoppage-time corner.

Injured club captain Billy Bennett was watching on as Sittingbourne held out for the three points.

“They managed the game well,” said Bennett. “They managed that situation well and I think Jack will be beating himself up over it, he knows he probably shouldn’t have given the referee the opportunity to do what he did.

“He will be a miss, he is very encouraging on the sidelines, when he trains and warms up with us, he is certainly a key member of not just the management but the playing squad.”

Defeat leaves the Ites still searching for a first league win although they have only played three games in Isthmian South East, losing back-to-back fixtures after Saturday’s match at Beckenham Town ended in a 2-1 defeat.

The FA Cup has taken centre stage, with games against Athletic Newham and Newhaven Town both going to replays before Sheppey prevailed. The Newham game actually needed three attempts as the first was called off minutes before kick-off as the pitch was unplayable.

Isthmian Premier side Lewes head to Sheppey this Saturday in a first qualifying round tie.

Sheppey conquered all domestically last season but Bennett - who is an injury doubt again this weekend after jarring his knee against Beckenham - knows things won’t come so easily for them this term.

He said: “We spoke about it on Monday and also touched on it Saturday, we are not going to win the majority of the games like we did last year, it is about sticking together, creating a unity following on from what we built as a team last year.

“Everyone has full trust in each other, it is about getting that first result and I am sure we will kick on from there.”

With a crowd of 1,004 inside Holm Park on Monday, the team are certainly being backed by the locals.

Bennett said: “It is a club that whether you are involved in it, or from the outside looking in, it is well built, the infrastructure is there for everyone to progress and it is a great club to play for.

“The fans on Monday were brilliant, second half they were encouraging the boys until the last minute.

“Everyone is realistic this year, it is just getting that first result and I am sure the tide will change.”

Weekend opponents Lewes are unbeaten in their opening five Isthmian Premier games.

“Everyone buzzes off the FA Cup,” added Bennett.

“Hopefully we can have a bit of a giant-killing against Lewes and then push on in the league from there.

“I know a few of the lads, more so the management, and know their teams are very organised, well-drilled and possession-based, they create a lot of chances. It won’t be easy that’s for sure, but if we stick together who knows what can happen?”

Sheppey’s rearranged league game at Hythe will now be played on Tuesday night.