Three new signings have boosted Whitstable’s survival hopes - but manager Keith McMahon already has more new additions in his sights.

Experienced defender Mo Kamara, midfielder George Monger and striker Charlie Heatley all started last weekend as the Oystermen lost 3-1 to promotion-chasing Ashford, with Heatley scoring Whitstable’s goal.

McMahon revealed: “We have a left-sided player coming in and maybe another midfielder as well.

“The squad we have got at the moment is very good.

“Before, some players might have automatically thought they were going to play, but we have competition for places now.”

The Oystermen remain bottom of Isthmian South East after their defeat to the Nuts & Bolts at a boggy Belmont.

Heatley gave his new side the lead but midfielder Jarred Trespaderne equalised.

Frontman Harry Goodger almost put Whitstable ahead again but struck the bar, before he was involved in a comical own goal as midfielder Callum Watts’ attempted clearance hit him and went past goalkeeper Dan Eason.

With McMahon’s men chasing an equaliser, Tashi-Jay Kwayie scored Ashford’s third to seal their win.

“We were really unlucky,” McMahon reflected.

“For an hour, I thought we were fantastic. First half, especially, we more than matched them - we came in 1-0 up at half-time and maybe it could have been two.

“Fair play to Ashford, they were a really good side. (But) their second goal just sums up the luck we are having at the moment, to be honest.

“But overall, there were loads of positives. We have still got just over a quarter of the season to play.

"If we play like that until the end of the season, I’m sure we will pick up plenty of points.”

On Whitstable’s new signings, McMahon commented: “We have gone straight through the middle.

“We needed to bring some players in and the club have supported us in doing that. Mo Kamara had been at Whitehawk, but has played for Ashford and Herne Bay. He’s a very experienced centre-half.

“He needs a little bit more game time - he tired after about 70 minutes on Saturday - but he offers a lot to us.

“George Monger comes in from Sittingbourne. He’s someone I had at VCD and Thamesmead.

“I have known George for a long time. He’s experienced at this level now and he’s a smashing fella, with a really good attitude.

“Charlie Heatley had been scoring goals at Barking.

"All three of them give us a massive boost.”

After a tough run of fixtures, Whitstable visit 12th-placed Three Bridges this weekend, albeit they have lost just one in their last six.

McMahon said: “It’s a tough place to go but our away record has been good.

“Every game is massive for us now. Since Christmas, if you include Herne Bay and Ramsgate, we have played virtually all of the top six.

“It’s going to be tough at Three Bridges.

"But every game at this level is tough and we have got games against teams around us now.”