Whitstable boss Marcel Nimani has laid down a challenge to weekend scorer Victor Aiyelabola.

Aiyelabola came up trumps in a dramatic finish to their 2-1 Southern Counties East Premier Division victory on Saturday at Bearsted with a goal and an assist.

But his manager is eager to see the promising midfielder, who has already turned out for Herne Bay, Erith & Belvedere, K Sports and Holmesdale, now produce those kinds of performances consistently.

Nimani said: “He had an effect on the game.

"Victor is at an age where he has played at a few clubs. Now, it’s the time for him to stay put.

“Some players are very good at having an instant impact but it’s another thing to stay at a club.

“That’s his challenge now to stay at a club and do it consistently.

“We are still working with Victor. Even though he played, he’s still not 100% yet.”

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Aiyelabola crossed for James Jeffrey’s opener in the 86th minute on his return from a month-long injury and netted himself four minutes later.

Despite the hosts getting one goal back from a stoppage-time penalty after a foul by away substitute Muhammed Cham, the Oystermen held on.

Nimani reflected: “It was a good win and a good result.

“Bearsted are a tough side away from home. It’s difficult there so, to leave with three points, that’s quite pleasing.

“We were patient in possession. Then we exploited spaces in the last 15 minutes when they left spaces behind.

“Now with being allowed to have five substitutes, the substitutes have also become a key part of team management. It’s a good tactic brought into management with these five substitutes.

“It’s a good introduction - the five substitutes rule. It adds another aspect to game management.”

A big derby awaits Whitstable at The Belmont this Saturday as they host Deal.

Nimani said: “Deal are a good side.

"They are a side that have been together for quite some time so they are better cohesively. They have been playing that style for quite some time.

“Unless they make any surprise changes now, we will know their threats.

“Their threats will still be effective because of their quality but we will do our best to minimise their threats.”

Both teams would have harboured ambitions of earning promotion at the start of the season but find themselves mid-table at present.

Nimani remains open to strengthening his squad in one or two areas, although he won’t rush to bring any new faces in, while midfielder Josh Oliver and defender Will Thomas are still banned and recently-signed attacking midfielder Harry Gamble got through around 80 minutes at Bearsted on his bow.

“For the time being, we are okay,” Nimani said.