By Andrew Gidley

Whitstable boss Peter Nott is looking for a swift response from his players when they travel to FA Trophy opponents Thamesmead in a pre-season friendly on Thursday.

Nott, pictured, had strong words after watching his team lose 2-0 against Herne Bay in the Bruce Smith Shield annual pre-season friendly on Saturday, only to then immediately cancel training on Tuesday.

He said: "We were so far off the pace in the first half but had four good chances ourselves and Matt Martin missed three one-on-ones.

"I gave them a hell of a rocket and then gave them the night off, and anyone who knows me will tell you I am not a soft touch. I just felt we couldn’t bring them back in on Tuesday."

The Bay game was Town’s fourth in eight days and Nott admitted in hindsight it was too many, with players complaining about stiffness and tiredness. New striker Keelan Mooney is struggling with shin splints while fellow new boy Gary Mickleborough is unavailable for the Thamesmead game through injury.

Goalkeeper Danny Twyman has been unavailable for the last two matches, so Nott is looking at two other options - Giga Zulmatashvili, who has had spells at Canterbury City and Faversham, and Steve Keenan, who lists Glentoran among his clubs.

Nott has added James Morrish to his squad this week with the 24-year-old midfielder joining from Hornchurch after moving into the area. Morrish was at Chelsea as a youngster and has also had a spell at Bethnal Green.

Town’s busy schedule continues with home games against Grays Athletic on Saturday (3pm) and Horsham next Tuesday (8pm).