Boss Marcel Nimani thinks Whitstable’s early-season league position shows how strong the Southern Counties East Premier Division will be this term.

The Oystermen are fifth after mixed fortunes over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Nimani wanted more than seven points from their opening five league fixtures - but is happy enough with where they are. A fifth-placed finish would secure a play-off place and a shot at promotion this term.

“It’s quite interesting,” he said.

“In terms of points-per-game, we would have wanted more than we have got. But position in the league, we’re fine.

“It just goes to show the competitiveness of this league. People really underestimate the quality.”

Whitstable have a break from league action this Saturday when they host Isthmian Premier outfit Wingate & Finchley in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round.

“These are the sorts of games we came to the club to be involved in,” Nimani said.

“It was a big game against Faversham [on Monday] and it is again on Saturday. The club deserves to be put in the centre of attention.

“It’s just a reward for our performances in the FA Cup so far.

“They’re a competitive, strong, Step 3 side. But if we apply ourselves like we did over the last weekend, we’ve got a chance.”

Nimani’s troops come into the clash after a 2-1 derby defeat at Faversham, despite Josh Williams’ second-half strike following Saturday’s 3-0 home win against Kennington.

He reflected: “We were slightly frustrated at missing some good chances against Kennington.

“When we went to Faversham, we identified a couple of areas where we felt we could exploit them.

“That was actually one of our better performances of the season. Two factors cost us in a game of fine margins.

“Our poor finishing, so a lack of composure in the box, and their two moments of individual brilliance by the same player [Sam Hasler]. They were the fine margins.

“But it was a great profile for both clubs. Both clubs are on the rise.

“It was just their destiny to win.”

Williams netted at The Belmont against Kennington before a Tyler Anderson goal and Josh Oliver’s penalty.

Nimani noted: “Josh [Williams] is a good lad, he’s a really good bloke to manage and coach.

“Last year I was not in a position to sign him but, this season, we managed to get him.”

Experienced striker Dean Grant has opted to leave Whitstable to join Hollands & Blair.

“He has made a phenomenal contribution to us in the dressing room,” said Nimani, who also worked with Grant at Sheppey.

“His experience is second to none. But he had a good offer to go to Hollands & Blair and he goes with our best wishes.”

There’s no rush to instantly bring in a like-for-like replacement.

Nimani said: “We recruited well in the summer - in numbers and quality - so there’s no panic stations.

“There’s a lot of players in the squad at the moment who can replace one another.

“We have some under-23s who have the potential to play in the first team in the next season or two as well.”