We predominately have focused on our way of playing and if we get that in order we stand a great chance of progressing further, says Sheppey United assistant manager Marcel Nimani

SHEPPEY UNITED assistant manager Marcel Nimani says he wants his side to travel well in The FA Vase this season.

The Ites make the trip down to Eastbourne Town tomorrow for a First Qualifying Round tie, sitting in second-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table, level on points with leaders Glebe, having banked 16 points from six games.

Eastbourne Town, meanwhile, play at the same level as Ernie Batten’s men and are in the top eight of the Southern Combination League Premier Division table with 11 points from seven games.

“We do not have a great deal of knowledge about our opponents but I do know a few of their players who have contributed heavily in the Isthmian League playing for Hastings,” said Nimani.

“We are wary of experienced players such as the likes of Simon Johnson and Sam Cole and Tom Vickers, if he has recovered from injury, could raise their game on cup occasions.

“Last season we had three trips in that region playing the likes of Steyning Town, Eastbourne Borough and Littlehampton Town and we found the travel arrangements to be just as an important factor as any other preparation.

“We predominately have focused on our way of playing and if we get that in order we stand a great chance of progressing further.

“Although we had a reasonable run in The FA Vase last year, we were very disappointed in the way we lost away to Littlehampton on penalties, which turned out to be the last game of that season.

“We didn’t particularly play well on the day and that three weeks gap of lockdown, which we had prior to the game, really showed.

“We are now a different side to last year and we will be looking to amend a few of the areas which we felt we should have managed better.

“Last night at training we looked at a few playing scenarios and how to deal with them in cup games and we have also made travelling arrangements, different to last year.

“We have every ambition to test ourselves in this competition and we will be doing our very best on Saturday, against a strong host.”

Visit Sheppey United’s website: www.sheppeyunitedfc.co.uk

Eastbourne Town  v  Sheppey United
The Buildbase FA Vase First Qualifying Round
Saturday 11 September 2021
Kick Off 3:00pm
at The Saffrons, Compton Place Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 1EA