Whitstable Town chairman Gary Johnson has called for the support of the community as Town seek to consolidate their Ryman League status amid a hectic run of fixtures.

The Oystermen face 16 games in the final six weeks of the season, starting with the visit of Walton & Hersham on Saturday and a Tuesday night trip to Chipstead.

They moved six points clear of the drop zone courtesy of a fine 3-1 win at Worthing on Saturday and a 1-1 draw with Sittingbourne at The Belmont on Tuesday night.

Mr Johnson said: “I think 10 more points is probably the line we need to exceed. If we fall lower than 45 points, then we could end up being relegation fodder.

“We don’t want to think about that possibility, though. We don’t consider ourselves as relegation candidates with the calibre of players we have but what matters now is that they gel. It’s no good having a team of fantastic individuals.

"Hopefully, we have a lot of pieces in place and can build on the quality of the players we have between now and the end of the season but also into the future.”

With games against their two fellow strugglers, plus promotion-chasers Guernsey at the Belmont next Thursday and second-bottom Corinthian Casuals on Saturday, in eight-day spell could prove a pivotal one for Town.

Mr Johnson said: “Walton and Chipstead have both got new managers and playing staff and have had some good results. It is going to be a tough week for us – there are no easy games.”

Mr Johnson hopes the people of Whitstable will get behind them as they seek to secure their status in Division 1 South for another year and said: “A crowd of 150 on Tuesday was disappointing for a Kent derby, though, of course, we were up against Champions League on the television.

“Walton & Hersham are not the best away travellers, I’m not sure they’ll bring many.

“It does not bode well but hopefully the sun will shine and people will come out and support us.

“The gates have been struggling, so the message to people is to come out, bring a friend, make it an office outing, whatever. We need your support.”