Sheppey United boss Jack Midson is relishing another huge challenge for his promoted team.

The Ites travel to Ramsgate this Saturday having claimed a point off early season Isthmian South East high-flyers Whitehawk last weekend.

The Rams lead the way at the top of the table while Sheppey are still finding their feet after winning the Southern Counties East League Premier Division title last term.

Midson is confident that his team can match anyone in the division, however, if they get their game right.

“It’s another tough one and they’re coming thick and fast,” said the player-boss.

“This is why we got promoted, to be in this position.

“We have to take it to them. It is a bit of a free hit for us, but we know that we can be hard to beat. If we are on form and creating chances then we are good enough to give them a good game.”

The Ites were 1-0 down against Whitehawk last Saturday after conceding a ninth-minute penalty but it was a spot-kick of their own that levelled it up, with Warren Mfula fouled in the box and Billy Bennett converting.

Mfula had been delayed getting to the match, which meant a reshuffle as the striker started on the bench. It wasn’t ideal preparation, but Midson was pleased with the point.

“It was a tough game,” he said. “They are a team up there and unbeaten. We knew we were up against it but overall I think we at least deserved a draw. Looking at chances, they didn’t really threaten us that much.

“They are a tough side and we need to realise where we are at. If we can’t win the game then we need to draw it and make sure we get points on the board.

“Warren was late for the meet, he had a few issues to sort out, so we had to make a change. We missed a bit of that pace first half up top but he won us a penalty (after coming off the bench) following a clumsy tackle.”

Bennett was the man to score the equaliser from the spot, keeping his cool to convert. He is back from injury and Midson is delighted to have him involved again. He returned after six games out last Tuesday to help the Ites to a 4-0 Kent Senior Cup win over Cray Wanderers.

Midson said: “I am still wary about starting him but he is almost back to full fitness after a knee injury, that is a good plus. I was happy for him to get a goal on Tuesday and then another on Saturday. He has goals and assists in him.”

Teenager Sam Gale is expected to finalise an extension to his loan from Gillingham, with the clubs agreeing to another 28 days. Gale celebrated his 18th birthday on Saturday with the player-of-the-match award.

The manager said: “He did the dirty work and he does what he is asked. We offered to get him a beer but he still didn’t want one. He has a good career ahead of him if he keeps doing that!

“It’s our responsibility as ex-pros and older players to help bring these players through. We knew when we watched him at the Gillingham training ground and a video on him, he is not a boy, he is a man physically.

“The way he thinks, he has stepped right up and matches anyone physically and for an 18-year-old, it is perfect for us.

“We have got a deal agreed, Gillingham and Sam are happy to do it again. If we can keep him for longer then great but it is one month at a time.”

Sheppey’s task against Whitehawk was made tougher after the dismissal of forward Jefferson Aibangbee with 13 minutes left, picking up two yellow cards in the space of four minutes.

Midson felt both were harsh and said: “The second one was a bit weird, it was a normal tackle, it wasn’t a goalscoring opportunity.

“I think if the referee realised it was his second booking he wouldn’t have done it.”