Boss Ernie Batten is backing Sheppey to raise their game in the Challenge Cup final.

Several hundred Ites fans are expected to make the trip to Tonbridge Angels’ Longmead ground on Saturday (2pm) as Batten’s side face Sevenoaks.

Oaks finished third in the Southern Counties East Premier Division, with Sheppey sixth, but Batten knows his side are capable of an upset.

He said: “It’ll be a really tough game because Sevenoaks have been building their side for a few years now and they were looking to win the league this season.

“They’ve got good players but so have we and I’m confident we can take that trophy if we play well.

“We’ve got so many young players in the team and you don’t know when they’re going to play well.

“We’ve got players who’ll be three out of 10 one week and nine out of 10 the next, which is what happens with young players because the consistency isn’t there.

“One week you’re wondering what’s happened and the next they’re superb.

“But we’ve done well in the big games this season – we’ve beaten Ashford a couple of times and Whitstable a couple of times. It wouldn’t surprise me if the lads are superb on Saturday and go and win it.”

Captain Ian Batten was sent off in the final league game against Cray Valley but is available as his suspension won’t kick in until next season.

Sheppey, though, will be without cup-tied pair Arlie Desanges and Josh Froggatt.