Why Sheppey and Walsall are trending: Unravelling the buzz

It was a historic day on the British island as Sheppey United hosted Walsall in the English FA Cup on Friday night. 

Eighth-tier outfit, Sheppey, from the Isthmian South East division, were looking to make progress in England’s oldest competition for the first time in their history.

The encounter against League Two side, Walsal, turned out to be a night to forget for the lowest-ranked side left in the competition.

Despite a magical start to the history clash which saw Sheppey take the league courtesy of a stunning effort from James Bessy-Saldanha, it ended in a heavy defeat.

Walsall recovered from their slumber to put four goals past the helpless home side to reach the second round for the fifth time in six seasons.

Sheppey’s manager, Ernie Batten, was proud of his team regardless of the thrashing before admitting it was always going to be difficult against full-time professionals. 

“I’m very proud,” he said per BBC Sports. “We acquitted ourselves very well. It’s always difficult against a full-time professional team because the fitness levels are much higher.

“They move the ball quickly, move you around, and we were working extremely hard to keep them at bay,” he added. 

In what was a magical and historic night for the players, after taking the club to its longest run in the FA Cup, it was also a day for the pubs. 

According to Kentonline, this was a game worth 40, 000 pounds for a win, it was night the Ites were hoping to make more history as they hoped to progress to the second round for the first time since the club was formed in 1890.

Therefore, it was a special night for the team and many shop traders. It was an exciting and busy night, with the game on TV.