There was nothing to separate Swale rivals Sheppey and Faversham on Saturday in Isthmian South East.

Michael Ademiluyi’s second-minute strike, followed by a fortunate Kieron Campbell goal, had put the Lilywhites in control inside the first five minutes.

But the home side extended their unbeaten run to seven games through Josh Wisson’s header and then equalised courtesy of a penalty by skipper Richie Hamill.

A goalless second period followed as the match finished 2-2.

The visitors, bottom of the table but heading into the contest after a much-needed midweek win, made a dream start at Holm Park in front of a crowd of 462.

Matt Parsons whipped in a dangerous left-wing cross against the club he had started the season at. It evaded everyone but Ademiluyi picked up the ball on the other flank, cut inside on the artificial surface and expertly fired into the far corner.

Two minutes later, Town were gifted a second through an error by Ites keeper Aiden Prall. He looked to be behind Campbell's long-range shot, however it found its way in.

But the 10th minute almost saw The Ites quickly get back into the encounter. Winger Danny Leonard ran in behind, only for Faversham defender Jacques Kpohomouh to make a vital block.

Things nearly got even better for the Lilywhites, too, Darren Phillips nodding over Parsons’ delivery.

Playmaker Campbell appeared back to his dangerous best and won the away side a free-kick in the 26th minute. Fellow midfielder Toby Ajala took it and forced a save from Prall.

Seconds later at the other end, Sheppey got one back. Wisson attacked skipper Hamill’s corner, with his close-range header flying past Town keeper Bailey Vose.

Just after the half-hour mark, with the match now stretched, Frankie Morgan crossed over Vose. But no home player attacked the excellent cross at the back post.

However, Sheppey did level through a controversial penalty, four minutes before half-time. Player-boss Jack Midson went down under a challenge by centre-back Phillips, with referee Billy Woods pointing to the spot, much to the disgust of the away contingent.

Vose guessed the right way but he wasn’t able to keep out the Hamill penalty.

Six minutes after the restart, returning Town midfielder Bode Anidugbe made a crucial interception to stop the home team having a chance on goal.

Midson’s men failed to properly clear a corner in the 54th minute. That allowed Kieron McCann to find Ademiluyi who was thwarted by Prall.

The Sheppey stopper had to be alert once more on the hour mark to parry Campbell’s strike.

The Ites’ Connor Wilkins whipped in a brilliant right-wing cross against the club he had started the campaign at, two minutes later, which somehow evaded everyone at the far post.

With 18 minutes left, Ajala was adjudged to have made a fine tackle to deny Sheppey playmaker Eddie Allsopp a shot on goal.

Ademiluyi then limped off in the 76th minute and was replaced by defender Ollie Gray.

Sheppey’s first substitution with 80 minutes on the clock saw Jack Marsh replace Allsopp.

Marsh nearly made an instant impact, too. Hamill’s free-kick eventually found him but he headed onto the roof of the net when unmarked.

Leonard then went for the spectacular in the 84th minute. He spotted Vose off his line, with his first-time long-range shot going inches over.

In the final seconds, Town substitute Jerson Dos Santos went down inside the penalty area. But Mr Woods blew for full-time, rather than awarding a dramatic late spot-kick.

The result leaves the Lilywhites four points behind second-bottom Corinthian and nine adrift of rivals Sittingbourne, who are third-bottom, while Sheppey are seventh. But only a single point separates them and fourth-placed Cray Valley.

Both sides had made two changes.

For the in-form hosts, Allsopp - who was with Town last season - and on-loan Gillingham man Sam Gale came in for the suspended Jake Embery and defender Dan Birch.

Meanwhile Lilywhites boss Sammy Moore dropped himself to the bench. Gray also was among the substitutes, Anidugbe and defender Frazer Shaw coming in for them.

Sheppey United: Prall, Majoyegbe, Gale, Hamill, Leonard, Wilkins, Allsopp (Marsh 80mins), Schafer, Midson, Morgan, Wisson. Subs not used: Giles, Catherick, McIntyre, Frost.

Faversham Town: Vose, Ademiluyi (Gray 76mins), Shaw, Ajala, Kpohomouh, Parsons, McCann, Anidugbe, Ansah (Dos Santos 86mins), Campbell, Phillips. Subs not used: Linch, Dasho, Moore.

Referee: Billy Woods.

Attendance: 462.