Manager Darren Blackburn was glad to get Sittingbourne's FA Cup shocker at Deal out of their system.

They responded with an opening-day league win against Whitstable, coming back from conceding early to win 3-2 in Isthmian South East on Saturday.

“We went back to basics, real basics,” said Blackburn. “I left out the two full-backs from last week but it wasn’t down to them because they got abandoned by the other players, left to fend for themselves, not given enough support.

“We changed the system, played slightly more defensive-minded and I just wanted to give us that base to build on and to not look so vulnerable. But having done that we then conceded a goal after three minutes!

“For the boys to show the character they did, to bounce back pretty quickly, was the reaction I expected last week, if I am honest.

“I haven’t had long to work with a lot of them but from what I have seen and what I know of them, I think we have good character and good personalities in our dressing room, enough quality to back up what they say they can do. There was no reaction last week so to see it this week was pleasing.”

Tijan Jadama had given Whitstable a third-minute lead but Andy Drury equalised from the penalty spot, after Ryan Palmer was fouled in the box, before Kane Rowland put the Brickies ahead.

Harry Goodger made it 3-1 with 15 minutes left, which meant Luke Medley’s late goal was no more than a consolation for Whitstable.

Blackburn said: “It wasn’t beautiful, pretty football, we have played far better in pre-season, but at the end of the day in this league it is about taking your chances, digging in and grinding it out some weeks.

“It is a tough league and to get any three points is great, especially first game and first league game in charge and at home infront of a good crowd.”

There were 263 there watching Blackburn’s first league game in charge. It’s been a long wait, having taken over as manager just before the Covid-19 crisis stopped play.

“I was pleased for the players,” he said. “They worked hard. There would have been a few nerves but now we can put last week to bed.

“We know what we are capable of doing, we are capable of scoring goals, we have got lads who can keep us organised and defend and we have plenty of experience to drag us over the line in games when needed.”

Sittingbourne visit Cray Valley this Saturday. They are missing both Sam Flisher (groin) and Michael Freiter (hamstring) but Blackburn is happy with the quality in reserve.

Goodger, back from suspension, was among those who came off the bench at the weekend, scoring what turned out to be the winning goal.

Blackburn said: “Harry wants to start every game, kick and head every ball, he has so much enthusiasm and passion for the club being a local lad, as has Andy Drury and young Harry Miller, who is 21. They all have their uses.

“We have good options. It is tough for me to leave lads out. Of the 16 lads we have, I could pick almost any 11 and have faith in them to do a job for us.”

Read more: All the latest sports news in Kent