Whitstable manager Justin Luchford praised his side’s character after they came from behind against Whyteleafe to record the first win under his stewardship.

Goals from JP Collier and Gary Mickelborough handed the Oystermen three precious points after Fabian Batchelor had put the Surrey side ahead on Saturday.

The result has given Whitstable a five-point cushion above the relegation places in Ryman League, Division 1 South. It followed a 3-2 defeat at Worthing last Tuesday, when Town came from 2-1 down to level before conceding a late winner.

Victory over Whyteleafe was Luchford’s (pictured) first in five attempts since replacing Peter Nott in the Belmont hotseat, although he insisted the focus should remain on his developing squad.

He said: “It was more important for the lads, rather than me, because they’ve worked hard and deserved that win.

“That’s twice in a week (we’ve come from behind) because we were 2-1 down against Worthing and we should have won that game. To do it twice in a week shows we’ve got a little bit of character.

“We’re getting there. We’re still a few weeks away, to be honest, because we need to get used to playing with each other and need more games under our belts.

“We’re still finding out about each other and it is a challenge down there.”

Whitstable travel to basement club Burgess Hill on Saturday.

Lee Shearer should be available for the Burgess Hill clash, while Ant Bodle is back after suspension. Dane Luchford and Damian Abel are struggling with niggling injuries.