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Boss Lloyd Blackman believes Whitstable Town will have nothing to lose when they visit high-flying Hastings United this weekend.
Blackman’s Oystermen will hope to inflict only a second home league loss on The U’s this season when they travel to the Pilot Field as Whitstable return to action after an 11-day break.
Chris Agutter’s Hastings are second in the Isthmian South East table, level on points with leaders Ashford but they have played two league fixtures fewer than the Nuts and Bolts.
“We are, obviously, well aware that they are a fantastic side,” said Blackman.
“(But) we have nothing to lose going there.
“We have had some decent away results this season and, if we can prepare correctly, hopefully, we can get another.
“They have only lost one game at home this season against a team that’s just slightly ahead of them in the league (losing 3-0 to leaders Ashford last month).
“But we are confident that we can get something there.”
Hastings were relegated from the Isthmian Premier at the end of the 2012/13 season and, despite coming close to earning promotion on several occasions, they have been unable to move back up to the third tier of English non-league football since.
When Whitstable played Hastings at the Belmont in December, the Sussex club won 3-1.
Blackman said: “The club itself has been tinkering with (a return to) the Isthmian Premier Division at times.
“I think they probably feel they should be in a higher league than what they are.
“I know Chris very well and he is a good coach. They have been one of the best sides this season.
“They can be very, very direct but they can play keep ball against you, as well.
“At our place this season, we did our due diligence and had little traps set up, but they flipped it and completely went another way.
“It’s just about how we manage their strengths, but also, we need to focus on what we are good at, as well.”
Town, 13th in the league table, have had mixed news on the injury front with Connor Sanders ruled out for the rest of their season with a shoulder injury, although the latest on midfielder Leo Mazzone’s knee injury is more encouraging.
“That’s not as bad as we thought,” Blackman said of Mazzone’s injury.
“That’s really, really positive news for us.
“The feedback is it’s not as bad as first feared.
“We are probably looking at a week or two (until he is available again).
“I’m pleased with that because he is a fantastic kid and a fantastic player.”
Town have been drawn at home to either Gillingham or Dover in their Kent Senior Cup semi-final tie.
Blackman said: “That (the semi-final) is a bonus and a little carrot for the players.
“They have to keep their performance levels high because, if their performance levels drop, they run the risk of being left out of that side.
“It does give the players an added incentive.”
