From our perspective, this is a competition which we value and we will do our upmost to stay in the cup for as long as we can, with the ambition to go all the way, says Whitstable Town manager Marcel Nimani

WHITSTABLE TOWN manager Marcel Nimani says he wants his side to go all the way in this season’s Southern Counties East Football League Challenge Cup.

The Oystermen hold home advantage over Bearsted in the third round tomorrow night and go into the game full off confidence after beating managerless Glebe on Saturday by four goals to one.

“We started the month with the aim to build on the momentum we started in December, having won two of our three games.  So far we have picked up four points out of two games, with another four-goal thriller at home to Glebe,” said Nimani.

“It was a pleasing performance both offensively by scoring four goals but more I was more pleased with another solid defensive display, particularly towards the end when the visitors’ put us under a lot of pressure.

“Offensively speaking, we were dominant in possession and the patterns of play are getting more consistent and far more effective in terms of end product.

“The resistance and the psychological side of our game management continues to please us the most.  We went a goal behind, similar to previous home games, but we went on to become a better team from it, rather than throw the towel in.

“Our defensive resistance under pressure towards the lateral parts of the game against Glebe is also showing how much we have improved as a character.

“We were able to sustain the pressure and used some great counter-attacking play to then go on and score, instead of conceding.  These are great attributes to have as a team.”

Whitstable Town’s seven points from their last three outings has put them rise into fourth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table with 32 points from their 22 games.

They are now only four points adrift of second-placed Rusthall, while Erith & Belvedere lead the way at the summit and are 20 points clear of Jimmy Anderson’s men.

Attention now turns to the visit of Bearsted, whom have slipped into the relegation zone having lost their last four league games and without a league win in eight outings.

Kevin Stevens’ side have picked up 17 points from their 19 league games and are only three points clear of bottom-side Canterbury City and the Bears are two points adrift of safety.

“Despite their league position, I know Bearsted and their management team far too well to know that it will not mean anything tomorrow evening,” added Nimani.

“This is a side who are strong defensively and can really hit you on the counter with two quick wingers.  A player to watch out for is Jordan Ababio, who will be a threat for the entire game.

“Bearsted are a team full of experience and technically gifted players who will thrive on our pitch.  Their previous match here proved that, having already won 2-0.

“From our perspective, this is a competition which we value and we will do our upmost to stay in the cup for as long as we can, with the ambition to go all the way.”

Bearsted completed a home cup double win over Rusthall in the Challenge Cup (3-2) and Kent Senior Trophy (2-0) but have since lost league games to Whitstable Town (1-2), Rusthall (3-5) and lost to a single goal at Fisher at the weekend.

Whitstable Town  v  Bearsted
Southern Counties East Football League Challenge Cup Third Round
Tuesday 10 January 2023
Kick Off 7:45pm
at The Belmont, Belmont Road, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1QJ