More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Home Whitstable Sport Article
Lloyd Blackman hopes Whitstable Town can take confidence from their display against leaders Hastings United ahead of another tough test.
The Oystermen, who suffered a 2-1 loss at Hastings last weekend, are set to host fellow promotion-chasers Whitehawk this weekend.
The Brighton club will visit the Belmont, sitting in the Isthmian South East play-offs and six points off the summit after an 8-1 win over nine-man Three Bridges.
Town manager Blackman said: “We have a tough run of fixtures.
"We are 14th and safe from relegation but it’s important we still pick up points when we can.
“Whitehawk, at the very least, will be looking to confirm their play-off place.
“They will certainly have their eye on the ball so to speak, but we will take confidence from our performance on Saturday.”
Connor Tighe struck twice and Marvin Hamilton was also on target for the Hawks when they won 3-0 when the sides met in November.
But it’s Duane Ofori-Acheampong and Lucas Rodrigues who are Whitehawk’s joint-highest scorers, and Blackman is well aware Jude Macdonald’s men have attacking threats right across the pitch.
“I remember, when we played them earlier in the season, we found ourselves 2-0 down early on,” he said.
“They were a really, really impressive side.
“There was lots of rotation in their midfield and, by the time we got to grips with it, the game was already done.
“They certainly have excellent players right across their team.”
Whitstable come into the contest following their defeat at the Pilot Field where defender Ollie Rowe gave Town the lead against his old club, before two second-half penalties from Ben Pope saw the U’s come from behind to earn the points.
“It was a very good performance,” said Blackman.
“The players did everything I asked of them.
“I don’t think Hastings had a shot in the first half.
“I think we executed the game-plan really well. We didn’t park the bus, we had opportunities to get at them.
“We took the lead fairly early in the second half but slight lapses in concentration with, I have to say, a couple of soft penalties cost us.
“The second one I can understand but I felt the first one was very soft.”
Striker Liam King, whose suspension after his Kent Senior Cup sending-off against Ramsgate only takes effect in cup fixtures, came off against Hastings with a rib injury.
Blackman is confident he will have recovered in time while midfielder Leo Mazzone (knee) is rated 50-50.
Reserve player Ifeanyi David was an unused substitute at Hastings and Blackman insists he is keen to play the club’s youngsters when he can.
