Whitstable boss Nicky Southall says this weekend’s venture into FA Cup action will be a welcome distraction after a frustrating start to the season.

Southall was dismayed as his side slipped to a 1-0 defeat at rock-bottom Sittingbourne on Saturday, but despite playing more than half the game with 10-men, they battled to a goalless draw at home to Herne Bay on Bank Holiday Monday.

The point left Town 18th in Ryman League, Division 1 South with six points from as many games but Southall said: “I wasn’t happy with Saturday and asked them to show me a response. I got that.

“It’s not easy playing with 10 men for nearly 60 minutes in that heat in a local derby. It showed the character we have in the squad.”

Town face a testing trip to last year’s FA Vase Finalists Tunbridge Wells in the preliminary round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Southall admitted: “It’s a tough game but it’s a welcome distraction. For me, the FA Cup is the best cup competition in the world. If you can get a win in the cup, it can give you a boost in the league, too.

“They are a good side. I watched them play in the Kent Senior Trophy final against Lordswood last year and obviously (Town assistant boss) Jason Lillis knows a lot about them having been in the same division last year.”

Meanwhile, Southall said he remained on the lookout for an experienced striker and had discussions this week over two potential arrivals.

He said: “The problem at this stage of the season is that clubs are reluctant to allow their players to get cup-tied.

“It might be that we’re not able to get anything done this week but if that’s the case then hopefully we can get someone in before we go to Guernsey next weekend.”