A goal in each half, by Nathan Jeche and Finn O'Mara, gives Whitstable a 2-0 lead to take to the second leg of the FA Vase semi-final at Hartpury University next Sunday. Whitstable certainly had enough chances to have added more goals, but Stephen Sarkodie made a number of crucial saves to keep his team in the tie. By contrast, Dan Colmer in the Whitstable goal was relatively untroubled. It is just "half time" in the tie however and plenty more hard work will be needed in the return leg to try to secure a place in the Wembley final, so if you are able to travel to Hartpury, it really would be appreciated by the team.

Here is a reminder of the details if you do wish to go to Hartpury:
https://www.whitstabletownfc.club/news/fa-vase-semifinal-second-leg-tickets-now-on-sale-2907283.html

The club would like to say a big thank you to everyone that helped make the day special. So many people worked extremely hard behind the scenes, both in preparation and also during and after the game. The support for the team was fantastic and really made a difference on the day. The official attendance of 2.905 was a new club record, beating the 2,656 set in the previous round. We know that we could have sold many more tickets, so are sorry for those that were unable to attend on this occasion, but our agreed maximum capacity for the day, including club staff, volunteers, stewards, medical support, etc. was 3,000.

Match photos and a full report on the first leg will follow.