Whitstable assistant boss Steve Nolan says Saturday’s FA Trophy preliminary round trip to Thamesmead Town will be a welcome distraction from their league woes.

Nolan admitted Town had "taken one step forward and then another step back" after ending a run of six straight Ryman League, Division 1 South defeats with a 1-0 win over Walton & Hersham at the Belmont on Saturday, only to then lose 2-1 at home to Sittingbourne on Tuesday.

The Oystermen secured Saturday’s points courtesy of a goal from Ryan Rook 19 minutes from time.

Stuart Vahid then headed Town ahead against the Brickies midway through the first half on Tuesday, only for the visitors to pull level on the hour through Ryan Golding and win it with a stunning strike from Hicham Akhazzan 17 minutes from time.

Nolan said: "Saturday is a positive distraction for us and although the league is our priority, it would be great for the club to have a cup run."

Rob Lyall, Gary Mickelborough and Keelan Mooney are all expected to miss the game through injury.