Whitstable’s top scorer is set for a spell on the sidelines.

Josh Oliver had a day to forget as the 14-goal midfielder failed to convert a penalty he won before he came off injured in last Saturday’s Southern Counties East Premier Division 3-1 home defeat to basement boys Stansfeld.

Striker Emmanuel Oloyede’s second-half strike proved in vain.

While the Oystermen bounced back with a 3-1 victory over Snodland at The Belmont on Tuesday, the absence of Oliver will diminish the attacking options at manager Marcel Nimani’s disposal.

Nimani said: “He injured his ankle on Saturday. I think he will be out for three or four weeks.

“He has been my top goalscorer since I came to the club. Not having him is going to present a challenge.

“But I have high expectations of the squad and I’m confident that others can fill that role.

“Other than that, we’re fine. We have got some tired legs but, after a good recovery session on Thursday, we should be okay.”

It doesn’t get any easier for Whitstable, who travel to promotion rivals Corinthian - a side Nimani has tipped to be crowned champions - this Saturday.

The Oystermen’s boss believes Corinthian don’t actually operate with a weekly budget but Michael Golding’s troops are only three points off the summit with three games in hand on the two teams, including big-spending Faversham, above them. Play-off occupants Deal are in a similar position with matches in hand.

“Everything is to play for,” Nimani claimed. “I think anyone can beat anybody in this league.

“What is so ironic is it’s the most expensive SCEFL division I have known - but I think the team that are favourites to win (Corinthian) have no budget!

“The likes of Deal, Corinthian and Bearsted have real stability with their players. Credit to Corinthian.

“When you have that stability, you can build a culture. That’s the hardest thing to do.

“To get anything out of this game, we will need to be at our best. Anything less will result in disappointment.”

Whitstable themselves have made big strides since Nimani took over in October 2022.

“I wish I was blessed with a bit more flexibility in player recruitment,” noted Nimani. “That’s not just me - that’s probably most teams.

“But I’m pleased with what I have and it’s about getting the best out of what I have.”

It’s set up for quite the match at Gay Dawn Farm when Whitstable are again expected to bring a large away contingent.

Nimani said: “We have got remarkable fans - home and away. We’re very blessed.

“There’s not many teams, particularly at our level, that have our kind of support. We just need to make their journey a worthwhile one on Saturday.”

Goals from midfielder Mikey Dalton and winger Harrison Carnegie, coupled with a stunning late strike by midfielder Liam Gillies, helped Whitstable see off Snodland after a five-match winless run across all competitions. Kick-off had earlier been delayed until 8pm due to traffic.

Nimani reflected: “It was a pleasing performance.

“On reflection of our recent run, we have made some adjustments to the way we play in a number of areas. It was great it paid off.

“I felt the players adjusted to them superbly and showed better commitment than they had in previous games.

“Up until the 65th minute, we were the far better team. We kept the ball very well and created numerous chances.

“After the 65th minute, the opposition pushed on a bit - but we defended well. They were dangerous from set-pieces but, even in a defensive mode, we were still threatening.”

With Dan Eason sidelined, Herne Bay’s Harry Brooks stepped in between the sticks against Snodland as part of a dual-registration agreement in front of a 204-strong crowd.

Nimani explained: “Harry signed for us earlier in the season. He’s part of our squad - although he’s a Herne Bay player. But they didn’t have a game on Tuesday.

“So luckily, he was able to come in and fill in for Dan. Harry did a marvellous job.”

On the fitness of player-coach Eason, Nimani added: “We think he will be okay. For the time being, we just rested his knee.”