Sheerness East's season came alive over the Easter period after a three game unbeaten run lifted them clear of the Kent County League, Premier Division relegation zone.

A 3-1 win over Phoenix Sports on Monday followed successive draws, which was enough to lift them out of the bottom two for the first time this season.

Those results have now given manager Dave Down hope that his side can escape the drop.

“I know we’ve under-achieved and we’ve got ourselves into a pickle but we’re good enough to get out of it,” said Down.

East have been rock bottom for much of the season. They lost their first 11 games in the league and had to wait until January 24 for their first win.

“I couldn’t see where we were going to win a game of football,” said Down. “Everything was going against us and cheap goals were going in.

“We’ve stuck at it and managed to get some results and we’ve got ourselves into this position with grit and determination.”

East started a busy week with a rare Tuesday night game against Hollands & Blair. Paul Colenutt put them ahead but high-flying Blair levelled to make it 1-1.

A second 1-1 draw followed on Saturday against another top four side, Stansfeld O&B Club. Craig Holland had put East ahead just 17 seconds into that match before a second half equaliser levelled it up.

Monday’s 3-1 win over Phoenix Sports saw them climb out of the relegation zone on goal difference.

Dale Wicketts, Holland and Graham Andrews scored the goals.

“We’re only there on goal difference at the moment but it makes a difference psychologically to be off the bottom,” said Down.

“The players have been excellent and it’s been such a busy weekend for them. Some of the players had football commitments on Sunday as well and they were dead on their feet after Monday’s win.”

East are ahead of Milton & Fulston Utd and play them this Saturday at home.

Down said: “We need to keep on pushing. The main thing now is that the confidence is back and we are looking good.”