There is a return to where it all began in senior football for Whitstable goalkeeper Dan Eason this Saturday.

The fourth-placed Oystermen will be looking to extend their unbeaten Southern Counties East Premier Division run to seven games when they visit Lordswood.

Lowly Lords are now managed by ex-Whitstable reserve team boss Matt Barman and the game also brings back memories of earlier days in Eason’s career.

Experienced shot-stopper Eason said: “It will be a tough game on Saturday.

“I used to play there when I was 15 for the reserves.

"Personally, I think the pitch is small. They’re on you straight away.

“It will be a tough game but we should be good enough to find space and, hopefully, we’ll get three points.”

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Eason has enjoyed successful stints with Hythe and Herne Bay in his playing career while he’s now also racked up hundreds of appearances for The Belmont outfit.

“That’s where I started my football,” he said, of Lordswood.

“Then, I was at Ashford Reserves and signed for Sittingbourne at 17.

“Then it was Herne Bay and it went on from there. I’ve been playing long enough.

“I think my missus is getting a bit peed off with it now, but she understands and the kids enjoy it.

"Whitstable is probably the only club they can remember me playing for!”

Eason wants to look to get into the managerial side of things after retirement.

Asked how long he wanted to play on for before hanging up his boots, he replied: “Probably two or three more years - if I can still do it. I’m starting to feel it now!

“A couple more years and, then, I wouldn’t mind getting into the managerial side, maybe as an assistant.”

Before then, though, Eason hopes to sign-off in style by helping earn promotion back to the Isthmian League under manager Marcel Nimani.

“I would love to get them back in the Isthmian League this year or definitely next year,” Eason said.

“I think Marcel will move us on even more next year.

“Even if I’ve moved on, I will still be rooting for them.”

The Oystermen’s fine form continued last weekend as they earned a 6-1 victory away to Kennington.

“We took our chances,” Eason reflected. “The pitch suited us, as well, where it’s so big. It gave us a bit of time on the ball.

“We took our chances and played really well. I don’t think I’ve been involved in a 6-1 win for Whitstable for ages!

“It’s good to stand there and watch them put the ball in the back of the net.”

On-loan Sheppey winger Jefferson Aibangbee bagged a brace while Dean Grant, Josh Oliver, Jordan Wells and Rodney Adamon-Eruotor - from the penalty spot - were also on target.

The hosts had substitute Jordan Griffin sent off late on for an off-the-ball kick on defender George Sheminant.

Aibangbee is exactly the sort of exciting player boss Nimani can bring to the club.

Eason said: “He attracts them. He is a good guy and a good coach.

“As soon as he came in, I thought he was looking for wingers. He now has Rodney and Jeffs.

“I would not like to be a full-back against Jeffs because he’s so strong.

“He was really good on Saturday.”