Whitstable Town joint-manager Danny Ward says he could hardly be more delighted with the start that his side have made to their new Ryman 1 South season

Town followed up Saturday’s opening-day 3-2 victory over Walton & Hersham with a 1-1 draw at title favourites Hastings on Monday night.

Ward said: “Any of our fans who watched both games must be well chuffed because our fitness levels and our skill levels have been fantastic.

“If you had offered me four points (from the two games) this time last week I would have happily taken it, but actually I’m a little disappointed now because I think we deserved to win on Monday.

“You never get something for nothing at Hastings, that’s for sure, and considering we are such a young side and carrying so many injuries, to have four points on the board already is massive.”

Ward, however, is still looking to strengthen his squad and this week he signed the experienced Jonathan Hogg.

Ward said: “Jon is one of my old players, he was with me at Maidstone and Sittingbourne and can play centre-half or a holding midfield role. He didn’t play last season because he decided to take some time out, but he’s raring to go again now and will go straight into the squad for Saturday’s game at Guernsey.”

Kane Rowland is available again suspension but Aaron James is away on a school trip and Ashley Ulph is again likely to be ruled out by his ankle problem.

The Guernsey game is being screened in the Belmont clubhouse on Saturday when the under-21s host Thamesmead Town in a pre-season friendly.