Opportunity knocks for some of Whitstable’s squad players amid a busy period.

Marcel Nimani’s in-form Oystermen, who are due to visit Holmesdale tonight, are at home to Fisher in the Southern Counties East Premier Division this Saturday before travelling to Hollands & Blair two days later.

But Nimani, who started young defender Cameron Chamberlain in their 2-1 weekend win at Sutton Athletic, said: “We have a few of the senior players away at the minute.

“They will miss out, Josh [Oliver] being one and Ashley Sains being another.

“But it’s not an issue. We always operate with a big squad.

“We’ve brought in some young lads, it’s almost like a pre, pre-season opportunity.

“We’ve kept an eye on them, so let’s see what they have got.”

Oliver scored the all-important third goal of the game from the penalty spot at Sutton, with Michael Fenn having earlier netted from the spot, cancelling out winger Jefferson Aibangbee’s opener, as their unbeaten streak stretched to five fixtures, including four victories.

While Oliver has signed a contract which will keep him at Whitstable next season, Aibangbee only remains at The Belmont on a temporary basis.

Nimani said: “We have begun planning for next season.

“Unfortunately, Jefferson is a Sheppey United player. The agreement is we will keep him and, if they need him, then he can go back there.

“But he’s a good lad and a good player. He enjoys being part of our set-up and we’ll continue to work with him.”

The only blemish for the fifth-placed Oystermen at Sutton was the sending-off of defender Jake Mackenzie who received two cautions.

His manager admitted: “I’m sure we will miss him on Saturday but we will plan accordingly.”

Nimani has been impressed with what he’s seen from Sutton this term so he’s delighted to have done the double over them - having beaten them 3-0 at home last month as well.

“I like Sutton Athletic," he stated.

"I think they’re a good side. The reason I like them is because they try to play good football.

“In both games, we congested the central areas, which is where their strengths are. In the space of about five weeks, we’ve played them twice and we managed well against them, scoring five and only conceding one - a penalty.

“All in all, I’m pleased with how we managed Sutton.”

Whitstable beat Fisher away in the early stages of their campaign while Hollands & Blair - managed by their ex-boss Scott Porter - beat them 2-1 in mid-October.

“It’s worked out quite weirdly,” noted Nimani.

“Since I have been at the club, we’ve hardly had any midweek games. Now, we have four games in 10 days.

“But these festive games are good because they bring good crowds.”

Two other Whitstable youngsters, Zack Jennings and Caoilte Deakin, were introduced as late substitutes at Sutton.