Whitstable Town FC

Sam Prett

Whitstable?s long awaited fixture at Salter?s Lane for the resumption of Kent Premier League local derbies between the two sides after Faversham?s promotion form the Kent County League last season was no damp squid. The Slater?s Lane ground has become a veritable fortress for the home side, at the start of this evenings match Faversham sitting atop the Kent League had not conceded a home goal this season.

As is ever the case with these strongly contested matches expectations were high in both camps, damped a little by a couple of swift downpours just before the kick off. The heavens open as the ref blew to start proceeding with the home supporters doing their best to drown out the rumble of thunder in the distance. Just as the first crack of lightening lit up the evening Whitstable were denied a lead inside the first 15 minutes by the width of a goalpost, Marlon Button?s fiercely struck shot hitting wrong side of the upright after the home sides Steve Aslett had fouled Marcos Perona just on the edge of the area. Aslett was one of a number ex Whitstable players in the home side; Faversham keeper Tim Holmes was just unable to reach the ball, the woodwork saving his side.

WTFC manager Marc Seager

Wayne Farrell, (Junior) enjoyed some space on Whitstable?s left flank and it took a while for Tom Parker to adjust to his sudden bust of pace, Parker settled and apart for a few slip which were bound to happen on a surface so unforgiving, with small patches of standing water, he held firm.

Up front for Faversham Andy Martin was all hustle a bustle but without the ball slid through to feet, he had to battle for scraps in the air against the solid Michael Adcock and Izwnna Jackson Okiakam; ?Jackson? in his first start for Whitstable had a solid game, his lofted ball over the home defence gave Button a further shot at goal, this time the ball flying over Holmes crossbar.

Up front for the visitors Sam Prett and Steve Marshall battled well, the well marshalled Faversham back line coped until Prett set the game alight with a superbly taken goal that silenced the home supporters in the 29^th minute. Marshall?s delightful flick-on found Prett, the young striker still had much to do, twisting one way then the other before finding a space to fire Whitstable into the lead. The home side sat back as Whitstable pressed, Mickey Lane and Sayer sending in some teasing crosses some Howell dealt with well, others less so with Perona and fellow midfielder Alex Hosick both going close.

Half Time Faversham 0 Whitstable 1

At the restart Faversham sacrificed midfielder Aslett, Dane Luchford coming on to partner Martin in the attack, the home side going with two up front and sometimes three, with Kris Parker joining them. Whitstable held firm and with Hosick and Perona enjoying more space the tempo of the game matched the weather, electric: even with thunder and lightening shaking the sky; torrential rain lashing the pitch, the game was still played at a frantic pace. Both manager urging their side to keep the ball, with some neat passing from both teams it was far from a  ?blood and guts? derby match, and all the better for it.

Keeper Fewell saved Whitstable after a quick throw-in to Martin was flicked on goal bound, all in the ground held their breath, Fewell somehow managing to reach low to his left and claw the ball away. The home supporters let out an audible sigh and you felt that was Faversham?s big chance gone.

At the other end Marshall hit the post, Lee Jones replaced Button and he was up to the pace of the game from his first kick, twice going close. Jake Gess was sent on for Mickey Lane, Gess making a couple of late bursting runs and was unlucky not to hit the target. Feeling a slight twinge after a heavy challenge goal scorer Prett came off to warm applause, Gary Carter drafted into defence as Whitstable shut up shop and played out the last ten minutes without undue alarm.

Town recorded their forth straight win of the 2006-07 campaign; to send them to the top of the Kent League, all focus will now be on Saturday when Whitstable entertain Ryman Div 1 side Croydon Athletic at the Belmont in the FA Cup.

Whitstable Team:

Kevin Fewell: Gary Sayer: Michael Adcock: Izwnna Jackson Okiakam; Tom Parker: Alex Hossick: Marcos Perona: Mickey Lane: Marlon Button: Steve Marshall:  Same Prett:

Subs: Gary Carter: Lee Jones: Andy Constable: Stuart King: Jake Gess