Our preparations for the 2025/26 season continue today with a midweek trip to take on Sheppey United at Holm Park.

Team News

As with Saturday’s win at Hythe, supporters can expect a mix of trialist and first-team players on show at Holm Park.

Jay Saunders made one one addition to his first team squad yesterday, signing forward Josh Strouts who supporters saw in action during the second half on Saturday at Hythe Town. Find out more about Josh here.

Kit

Invicta will be modelling our new away kit for the first time at Holm Park. Click the image to purchase yours online now.

From The Manager

First-team manager Jay Saunders spoke after Saturday’s win at Hythe: “We’ve seen a few lads today that we’ve had in for training for a couple of weeks. We have some more lads that weren’t available on Saturday that we want to take a look at so they will come in on Tuesday against Sheppey. We’ve added Josh [Strouts] to the squad and will probably add another later this week.”

“It’ll be a good game at Sheppey, I get on really well with Kevin Watson and Tommy Osbourne so it will be good to catch up with them.”

The Opposition

Sheppey United head into the new campaign under the leadership of former Cray Valley, Herne Bay and Ashford United manager Kevin Watson. A former Invicta player, Watson was announced as manager for the 2025/26 season in March following the passing of Sheppey’s long-serving manager Ernie Batten.

The Ites finished last season 10th in the Isthmian South East Division, 17 points from the play-offs. Experienced forward, and last season’s top goalscorer, Dan Bradshaw remains at the club but Watson faces a rebuild with the likes of goalkeeper Aiden Prall and winger Gil Carvalho having departed to Ramsgate and Welling United respectively.

Sheppey kicked off pre-season on Saturday with a 3-0 defeat to FA Vase winners Whitstable Town at Holm Park.

Recent Meetings

Invicta visited Holm Park for our opening pre-season fixture last summer. Dan Smith and Evans Kouassi scored in a 2-1 win.

How To Follow

You can keep up to date with the action with updates from our X (formerly Twitter) account.

The Venue

Please note no dogs are allowed inside the stadium, except for guide dogs. Holm Park is also a no smoking venue.

Travel

Always check rail times/strike action before you travel. 

The closest rail station to Holm Park is Queenborough, a 26 minute walk. The final service that will get you back to Folkestone departs at 21:52, changing at Sittingbourne and Dover Priory, making rail travel tight for supporters.

Admission  

Supporters can pay on the gate for this fixture.

• Adult: £5
• Concession: £2
• Under 14 FREE with paying adult