by Alex Hoad

Oystermen boss Justin Luchford is excited about the potential of new signing, former Gillingham youngster Jake Mackenzie.

The 18-year-old was recommended to the Whitstable manager by Gills youth team boss Darren Hare after Mackenzie failed to earn a third year of his scholarship at Priestfield.

Luchford (pictured) said: "He came along to training and it didn’t take long to see that he is a very good player.

"He is very slight, but he is strong, can pass it, has great feet and he’s going to be a big player for us."

Mackenzie impressed as Town began their pre-season campaign after the weather-induced cancellation of Saturday’s clash with Ashford, with a narrow victory over Herne Bay in the Bruce Smith Shield on Tuesday night.

James Morrish opened the scoring midway through the first half when he headed home a fine cross from Damian Abel, only for Bay to level shortly before half-time.

A superb swinging cross from Mackenzie was headed in by Dane Luchford to restore Town’s lead but the equaliser was scrambled home from a corner late on and the game went to penalties.

Nicky Southall, Dane Luchford and Dan Wisker scored, and Town keeper Nick Shaw made a fine save as the hosts ran-out 3-1 winners on spot-kicks.

Luchford added: "It’s only pre-season, but the game was important, for Bruce’s sake. I thought we deserved the win. It was an even game and there was not much between the sides.

"We kept the ball well and played some good stuff at times and scored two fantastic goals. The only disappointment was that we created a lot of chances but couldn’t score more."

On Sunday the Belmont hosts a charity match with a host of local football personalities taking on a team of soap stars (kick-off 2pm).

Andy Hessenthaler, Nicky Forster and Justin Luchford are among the players due to take on a side which should include Eastenders’ Adam Woodyatt.

Do you think Luchford is assembling a squad capable of a promotion challenge? Have your say below.