Invicta kick off pre-season with a trip to the Isle of Sheppey.

Please note that the match will now kick off at the earlier time of 1pm due to England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final kicking off at 5pm. 

Invicta

It’s been a busy summer at the Alcaline Stadium, with no fewer than 10 new arrivals through the door so far. 

Goalkeeper Jonny Henly has joined from National League South side Tonbridge Angels to take the number 1 shirt. 

With Ian Gayle and Chris Sessegnon retained from last season’s squad, the manager has strengthened his backline with the additions of former Maidstone United captain Gavin Hoyte, central defender Marvel Ekpiteta and left back Frankie Morgan, who will be making a return to Sheppey United where he spent the last 2 seasons. 

In the middle of the park, Dean Rance has now joined the club on a permanent basis from Scunthorpe United and has been joined by former Margate captain Sam Blackman, Jack Jebb from Dorking Wanderers and Matt Young who scored 15 goals last season for Haringey Borough. 

Up top the manager has retained the services of Tom Derry while adding Dan Smith from Bognor Regis Town, Evans Kouassi from Canvey Island and former Maidstone United and Worthing winger Joan Luque.

We can also expect to see a number of U18/academy players pull on an Invicta shirt over the next few weeks. Academy goalkeeper Dan Kennedy and U18 goalkeeper Sam Grant have both trained with the first team along with Brad Walledge who spent the back end of last season on a dual registration with SCEFL side Canterbury City. 

Of course we can also expect to see a trialist or 2 as well.

From The Manager

Manager Andy Drury spoke to Invicta TV on Thursday ahead of our first fixture of pre-season, you can watch the interview here:

Kit

Invicta will line up in black and amber stripes with Sheppey United in red and white. 

Previously

Invicta made the trip to Holm Park for a friendly back in March, losing 2-1 with Tom Derry scoring for Invicta. 

The Opposition

Sheppey United will be looking to build for a push into the Isthmian South East Division playoffs this season, having fallen just short in both season since their promotion from the SCEFL with consecutive 7th place finishes. 

While they may not have grabbed a playoff sport last season, they did make history by making the 1st Round of the FA Cup, hosting Walsall in a Friday night televised match. The Ites took the lead halfway through the first half before being beaten 4-1 by the League 2 side in front of nearly 1,500 people. 

Manager Ernie Batten has managed to retain key players in winger Danny Leonard, top goalscorer Jacob Lambert, prolific striker Dan Bradshaw and goalkeeper Aiden Prall and has already made a number of new signings including former Dover and Whitehawk defender Sinn’Kaye Christie and former Huddersfield Town striker Daniel Carr. 

The Venue

Sheppey United moved into their current home Holm Park in 2013, 10 years after returning to the island to play at Holm Place (situated right next to the current stadium). 

The ground features covered standing areas behind both goals as well as a 190-seater covered stand.

The pitch is 3G.

Travel

Always check rail times/strike action before you travel. 

Travelling to Holm Park by train will take in excess of 2 hours on Saturday, with the final leg requiring a bus service with no trains running too and from the island. A rail replacement bus from Sittingbourne is in operation, alternatively the 334 bus runs from outside Morrison’s supermarket which is a 5 minute walk from Sittingbourne station and will take you to Holm Park (alight at Holmside Avenue).

If driving, please also factor the closure of the Kingsferry Bridge into your journey time, as the A249 Sheppey Crossing may be busier as a result.

Admission  

Saturday’s friendly is FREE admission for supporters.