Whitstable played their first pre-season game at Hartsdown Park, the home of Margate FC. It was also Lloyd Blackman’s first game as Whitstable Town manager and there were a number of new players and trialists on view. Thanet United, previously known as Margate Sports, will compete in the Kent County League, but their team did include several players with experience of higher levels of football and three had previously appeared for Whitstable: Nick Treadwell, TJ Jadama and Jack Tanner.

The game was played on the relatively new 3G surface and both teams played some neat football, although there were few clear chances. There were a couple of moments of hesitation in the Whitstable defence, as might be expected at this stage of pre-season, although the home team were unable to take advantage. Whitstable generally looked the more threatening however and a good run down the right by the lively Tarik Ibrahim led to a low cross that was neatly flicked into the net by new striker Marcus Elliott on 12 minutes. Carl Munday had the best opportunity for Thanet United, when he intercepted an attempted header back to Dan Eason, but lobbed the ball over the bar.

There were a number of changes made in the second half and Whitstable added a second goal in the 61st minute, when Ibrahim pulled the ball back for Elliott to find to far corner. Academy player Muhammed Cham, who was introduced as a substitute, might have added a third, but shot just wide. John Walker was also denied by the home goalkeeper. Thanet had a late chance when a Jadama was brought down just outside the box following a good run, but the free kick was just off target. It was a useful outing for both teams, as they continue their early preparations for the coming season.

Whitstable Town
Dan Eason, Jake Mackenzie, John Walker, Danny Patterson, Marcus Evans, Tom Bryant (c), Liam Gillies, Luke Girt, Marcus Elliott, Tarik Ibrahim, Taylor Fisher.
Subs (used): Osman Proni, James Morrish, Connor Sanders, Liam Dickson, James Trueman, Muhammed Cham, Owen Fitt, Ryan Birch.
Goals: Marcus Elliott 12, 61.

Thanet United
Wes Miller, Damo Todd, Niall Salisbury, Lewis Toomey, Andy Johnson, Jake Munday, Adam Turton (c), TJ Jadama, Nick Treadwell, Jack Tanner, Jacob Jackson-Wells, Jonny Hindley, Jordan Anderson, Dom Crawford, Kristin Gregory, Neil Hoggart, Wes Hennersey, Carl Munday, Kane Hemmings, Mitch Laing.

Attendance: 111

After the game, the Whitstable manager gave his comments on the game:

“On Tuesday we started off our pre-season campaign against new outfit Thanet United. Even though they play several divisions below us, they have constructed a very, very strong side and it was a perfect fixture to start things off.
It was all about giving players minutes to build up their fitness and sharpness levels. I wasn’t too concerned about the result, rather the process and style of our play, as well as making sure we didn’t walk away with any injuries.
I was impressed with certain passages of our play, although others highlighted areas needing more work, but that’s what these games are about.
So far, the players are listening to what us staff are trying to get across and I’m pleased with how they’re taking on the information.
Impressive displays from Jake Mackenzie and Tarik Ibrahim, as well as debut goals from Marcus Elliott were probably the stand out performances but overall I was pleased with all the group.
A couple of players received a few knocks so we’ll access those on Thursday at training before heading to Hollands and Blair on Saturday which should be another tough test.”