1 week Ago By [email protected] (Craig Tucker)
Sheppey striker Dan Carr scored on his first start since recovering from injury - having originally been named on the bench. Carr came into the starting XI as a late replacement for skipper Danny Leonard, who felt his hip in the warm-up before the Ites’ home game against East Grinstead on Saturday. That meant an opportunity for Carr, who scored four goals in eight appearances before suffering a serious knee injury last September.
He broke the deadlock in a 3-1 victory, with Sheppey 10th in Isthmian South East after back-to-back victories. Carr made his comeback as a late substitute in a 4-1 victory at Broadbridge Heath last weekend and stepped in after Leonard’s setback. “That was Dan’s first start since the injury,” said manager Geoff Record.
“I left him on for about an hour and then took him off as a precaution because he’s a good player and if we can have him fit for the last few games and build up his minutes, he’ll be useful. “He only started because Danny Leonard pulled out in the warm-up. “Danny’s had this hip problem which kept him out for three months, and he was ill last week.
“He joined in the training on Thursday and felt his hip again in the warm-up, so we had to change it. “Luckily enough, the referee cooperated and everyone was OK about it. “I’ve seen Dan a lot sharper but what do you expect after five months out? “I was pleased with what he did while he was on and he could have had another goal before the one he scored.
“He couldn’t quite get his shot off but give him another game or two and those chances will be going in.” Aiden Prall made his eighth penalty save this season after Sheppey conceded a spot-kick while leading 1-0. Buoyed by the save, they pulled clear with second-half goals from Gil Carvalho and Olu Olorunnisumo before a late consolation for the Wasps.
“We all enjoyed it,” said Record. “It was a pretty good performance and we scored some good goals. “A crucial part of the game was Aiden’s penalty save when we were 1-0 up.
“He’s very cute when it comes to saving penalties. “I suppose it’s all a bit of a guessing game but he’s got good reflexes and he’s a strong keeper with good reactions. “He’s got to be in the top three keepers in the league, in my opinion.
“Hopefully we’ve turned a corner with these back-to-back wins but there are no easy games in this league. “Although it was 3-1 on Saturday, East Grinstead gave a good account of themselves.” Incoming manager Kevin Watson, who takes charge at the end of the season, was in the crowd for the East Grinstead match.
He gets another chance to look at the squad when the Ites host AFC Croydon at Holm Park this Saturday (3pm). Record has had brief conversations with Watson but knows the former Chatham and Cray Valley boss is capable of making up his own mind on players. “I haven’t spoken to him too much,” said Record.
“I’ve seen him a couple of times and had a brief chat. “He’s been busy trying to get through the lads and talking to them about next season. “He was there on Saturday, so that’s a couple of games he’s seen himself.
“He’ll be forming his own opinions and he’s got to get on with it.”.
