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Scott Porter says despite mathematic relegation being confirmed, Whitstable are focused on climbing the table to try and earn a reprieve.
The Oystermen boss saw their 10-game Ryman League, Division 1 South losing streak come to an end with back-to-back wins over Chipstead and Chatham over the Easter weekend – only their fifth and sixth in 42 games.
Fourth-bottom East Grinstead’s win over Guernsey left Town 14 points from safety with four games to play, however second-bottom Peacehaven are just four ahead and third-bottom Walton & Hersham nine clear of Town.
Boss Porter admitted: “I knew when I came in it would be tough to get out of the bottom three.
"We have said all along we have to focus all our efforts on being third from bottom and giving ourselves every chance of a reprieve if there is to be one.That’s what the chairman has told me to do from the start.”
In previous seasons, Ryman League divisions have seen end-of-season reshuffles caused by teams dropping down divisions or grounds being unfit for promotion, meaning reprieves for teams finishing in the drop zone. Last year, East Grinstead were spared, Redhill avoided the drop the year before and in 2012-13, none of Walton Casuals, Chipstead or Three Bridges went down.
Porter added: “It was a massive weekend. To come out with six points is a fantastic achievement. To win back-to-back games gives us momentum, belief, confidence to take into the remaining games.”
Play-off chasing Dorking visit the Belmont on Saturday (3pm) but Porter has high hopes his settled team can cause them problems.
He said: “We prefer to play against the big sides. They might not expect too much from us – although after the last couple of results they might have a look at us. They are a footballing side and they won’t relish coming here.”
Callum Wraight returns from injury for Saturday’s game, while former Hythe and Folkestone wide-man Lee Winfield has also signed on at the Belmont.