Sheppey United successfully navigated a tough weekend fixture to make it six wins from six in the Isthmian League South East Division.

The Ites found it hard work to break down bottom side Phoenix Sports last Saturday but Gillingham debutant loan striker Harry Bridle fired them ahead from the penalty spot and Danny Leonard netted the second in a 2-0 win.

Ernie Batten’s men now head into a break this weekend - as cup football continues to take priority in the schedule.

“It wasn’t by any means our best performance of the season,” admitted assistant boss Geoff Record.

“But I’ve been up to Phoenix before, and got beaten and struggled, and it can be very difficult up there. We found it difficult on Saturday.

“It wasn’t easy for us to break them down, they played five at the back, they played with two holding midfield players, so we were really faced with a wall of seven players.

“It was pretty much like that from the start of the game, to halfway through the second half. That was their decision and all we could do was keep labouring on, which we did, and got the penalty.”

Jordy Ndozid was fouled in the box for the penalty and Bridle was quick to claim the ball and take the spot-kick.

“It was good to see young Harry jump on that,” said Record. “Me and Ernie left them to it and without saying anything, he just grabbed it, which was good and he stuck it away really confidently. That gave us the breathing space we needed.

“Harry also came up with a brilliant run in behind the right-back in the second half. He took it around their full-back with one foot, and he drilled a left foot cross probably about 10 yards out from the goal, just above head height. Jacob (Lambert) came running into the box, he couldn’t quite get the connection but that would have been a lovely goal.

“It was great work from Harry to produce that, I thought he did quite well. He’s got a bit about him but of course he’s young, and he’s learning in the game, isn't he? He has to keep his feet on the ground, take each game as it comes and do the best he can.”

Sheppey’s experienced pair combined for their second.

Dan Bradshaw fed the ball to Leonard on 72 minutes, the winger running in at goal before placing a shot past the keeper.

“That was a brilliant finish,” said Record. “When you play sides like that you have to get the ball and pass it in behind them. Once you do that and their back five are all looking at the goalkeeper you’ve got a different picture then.

“Bradshaw knocked a terrific ball into his path, the surface wasn’t great and he had a bit to do but he left their defence behind, took it early and slotted it into bottom corner, a nice finish.”