Isthmian Premier Division Lewes proved too strong for Whitstable in this third pre-season game for the Oysters, watched by 245 people at The Belmont Ground.

Lewes won an early corner and Whitstable completely switched off as it was played short to Ryan Gondoh who had the time and space to cross for an unmarked Joe Taylor to head home from a couple of yards out just into the 5th minute. The visitors dominated possession, but Dan Eason and some timely blocks by the Whitstable defenders prevented further early goals. The only real threat at the other end came from some promising runs by Josh Williams who cut inside and had a shot stopped by a defender. Alfie Egan eventually made it 2-0, finishing off a good move in the 35th minute. There were no further first half goals, although Williams won a free kick 25 yards out just before the interval, but Josh Oliver’s effort was comfortably saved.

There were plenty of substitutions in the second half on a very warm and humid afternoon. Lewes scored a third in the 60th minute when a low shot by Archie Tamplin squeezed past Eason at his near post and just five minutes later Deon Moore set up a trialist who fired home for number four. The fifth and final goal arrived soon afterwards, in the 68th minute. Whitstable had lived dangerously a couple of times trying to play out from the back and this time lost the ball a few yards from goal and Deon Moore was left with the simple task of slotting it past Eason. Whitstable were missing some regular starters, but will be looking for an improved performance in their next game.

Erith and Belvedere are the next visitors to the Belmont on Tuesday evening.

Whitstable Town
Dan Eason, Jake Mackenzie, George Sheminant, Jack Palmby, Will Thomas, Tom Mills (c), Tyler Anderson, Dean Grant, Steadman Callender, Josh Oliver, Josh Williams.
Substitutes: Ed May, Harry O’Donnell, Gus Barnes, Jeffrey Oredein, Ashley Robinson, Josh Robson.

Lewes
Trialist A, Jake Elliot, Frazer Shaw, Arthur Penney, Trialist B, Kieran Murtagh, Alfie Egan, Trialist C, Deon Moore, Ryan Gondoh, Joe Taylor.
Substitutes: Ayo Olukoga, Archie Tamplin, Trialists D-L.
Goals: Joe Taylor 5, Alfie Egan 35, Archie Tamplin 60, Trialist 65, Deon Moore 68.

Attendance: 245
Referee: Richard Joss
Assistants: Paul Tabi & Steve Tunnicliffe