Sheppey United hope to use the disappointment of missing out on a win over top side Ramsgate to fire them up this weekend.

The Ites went into the break 3-1 up against the Isthmian South East leaders at home on Saturday but conceded twice in the latter stages as the match ended three apiece.

“When that final whistle went we were disappointed but it just shows how far we have come,” said boss Jack Midson, whose Sheppey side are now 10 games unbeaten.

“I don’t think it was down to attitude, that we thought we had won it, I just think they changed their shape slightly, we tried to block the ball into their front man but they are really good at it and they are up the top for a reason.

“A few fans were not happy with the second half but nobody was less happy than me, we work hard all week to try and prepare and put the work in first half and we are all disappointed.

“The lads showed their character with the messages they are putting in the WhatsApp group, they are sorry, they are admitting to certain mistakes, opening up to each other and it shows that trust and bond we have got, they have all said they will put it right.

“We were off it second half but we have another game to put it right. There is no hiding from the players, everyone knows and we take it on the chin.”

Sheppey had conceded early on against Ramsgate before a Danny Leonard double put them infront and Jake Embery - back in the side from a three-match suspension - scored their third. A goal from former Ites defender Jahmal Howlett-Mudle got a goal back on 72 minutes and the visitors struck again to level it up.

That game followed a goalless draw at Chatham on the Wednesday night.

“It was always going to be a battle,” Midson said. “They have got a good squad, good players coming off the bench, a tough place.

“We had an early injury to (captain) Richie Hamill, and so we changed our shape slightly. I don’t think we have enough strength in depth to what maybe Chatham have with options. We tried our best, shuffled it around, but it is hard work, it was a scrappy game but to go there and get a point is a good result for anyone.”

Hamill is an injury doubt this weekend as the Ites head to top-five side Whitehawk. Connor Wilkins is also hoping to shake off an injury but the good news for Sheppey is the possible return of hot-shot striker Warren Mfula, who has been out injured since early January - having already found the net 21 times, including a trio of hat-tricks.

“That will be a real plus if we can get him fit,” said Midson, who has been playing regularly himself following Mfula's injury and Embery’s suspension. Not an ideal scenario after a summer operation on his knee.

“He is a great member of the squad and if we can get him back that would be amazing but I am not counting my chickens. He did the warm-up with us on Saturday. He will have a full training week and we will go from there.

"If we get Warren back than I should be able to rest! I shouldn't be playing every week. Hopefully we can get that partnership (with Embery) back firing for the rest of the season. We will see how he gets on.

"I can’t imagine him (Mfula) having 90 minutes in him although he is a fit lad, with a good heart, and he will give everything he has. The last thing we want is for him to come back and then be out again for a longer period, we will manage it and hopefully get him in for the rest of the season."

Midson made an addition to the squad last week with full-back Mamadou Diallo joining and making his debut on Saturday. He was previously with Ashford United and is another who brings some versatility to the squad.