Sheppey manager Jack Midson isn’t afraid to make tough decisions for the good of the team.

Midson made a couple of changes to the side which lost 4-1 at Three Bridges in Isthmian South East last Tuesday and his team bounced back on Saturday, reversing that scoreline with a 4-1 win against East Grinstead.

Brad Schafer was one of those to drop to the bench but he came on as a substitute, performing well and scoring twice late on to seal the points.

Warren Mfula had put Sheppey ahead from the penalty spot and although East Grinstead levelled shortly after the restart, Mamadou Diallo restored the lead before Schafer’s late double.

“You can’t keep everyone happy,” Midson said.

“Jake (Embery) and Brad were disappointed but it was for the good of the team. Jake came on and worked hard and Brad got two vital goals. Everyone played their part.

“It was a kick in the teeth (to be dropped) but I don’t think anyone could complain. Sometimes you have to be a bit mean.”

The Ites had lost back-to-back games before Saturday’s win.

Midson said: “Brad was disappointed not to start but we said before the game, it is up to people to react. You either mope around or react and get back in the team - he did that, which is good.

“I was happy for him to get the goals but it was his performance as well. It gives me a dilemma and a problem for the next starting XI, but I would rather have that problem than no options.”

Midson handed youngster Ben Beard a chance on Saturday as a holding midfielder - the Ites player-boss keen to tighten up a defence after conceding four goals last time out. With Richie Hamill injured, it’s been a role that’s needed filling.

Beard is one of several players who have been regulars in the under-23s, a team which top the Southern Counties East Development League.

Midson believes the level they are playing at is helping them make the transition from youth football to the first team. Luke Frost, Teddy McIntyre and Bailey Catherick are among those to have also been involved for the Isthmian League side this season.

He said: “You need that protection for the back four. He had that discipline there and does as he is told.

“Sometimes we do need to be a bit boring and leave someone back and concentrate more on that defensive shape rather than a free-flowing shape.”

Sheppey are at home to VCD this Saturday - a team sitting in the bottom four with three straight losses and no wins in 11.

The Ites lost to them in mid-October but the team have changed manager since then and had an overhaul of players.

Midson said: “They have had some indifferent results since that day but they have some good players in there.

“We will show them the respect they deserve. We need to look at the other team but if we apply ourselves properly, like we know we can, then I am confident of winning that game.”

Midson is hoping Hamill can get through training this week to be in contention for Saturday.

Right-back Dan Birch, meanwhile, hasn’t been in the squad recently. He came on as a substitute against Ramsgate on February 18 having returned from injury.

“I would like him to get fully match fit before I can really consider him as a starter,” said Midson.