Whitstable Town joint-manager Danny Ward is pleased with the way the Oystermen’s pre-season is shaping up but played down the significance of winning silverware so early in the new regime’s reign.

Town lifted the Bruce Smith Shield for a third successive season at Winch’s Field on Tuesday after a last-gasp goal from Aaron James proved enough to beat Herne Bay.

Ward said: “We are delighted for the club to win a trophy but for us, the only thing that matters is August 9 and the first game of the season.”

On Saturday, Town battled hard but were beaten 1-0 at Conference South side Whitehawk. With a squad featuring only two regulars from last season, the decisive moment arrived midway through the second half when Jake Robinson scored a penalty.

Ward said: “It’s been a tough start but we are pleased. The attitude and fitness was what we wanted to see and it was there, plus we got to look at 22 players.”

Town host AFC Hornchurch on Saturday (3pm).

The Ward brothers will host a meet the managers evening at The Belmont on Thursday.