The Oystermen return to league action under the lights on Tuesday evening as AFC Croydon Athletic travel to the YMS Stadium.

Whitstable head into the fixture looking to build on Saturday's impressive 3-1 away victory at Broadbridge Heath, while Croydon Athletic arrive in Kent having made a strong start to the season.

Saturday saw the Oystermen return to winning ways in the league with a 3-1 victory away at Broadbridge Heath.

After a difficult run of results, the win provided a welcome boost and gives Whitstable the opportunity to carry that momentum into Tuesday night's home fixture.

With another league game arriving quickly, the focus now turns to making home advantage count and putting another three points on the board.

The Oystermen currently sit 16th in the South East Division, with three league victories from their opening seven matches.

Known as The Rams, AFC Croydon Athletic were established in 2012 and currently play their home matches at the Mayfield Stadium in Thornton Heath.

The club has risen through the non-league pyramid in recent years and is now in its second season at Step 4 following promotion to the Isthmian League.

Croydon Athletic have made an impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign and currently sit third in the South East Division with 15 points from their opening eight league matches.

Their league campaign began with a 2-1 home defeat to Sittingbourne before victories against Cray Valley PM, Ashford United, Erith Town and others helped establish them among the early pace-setters.

Their most recent league fixture saw The Rams beaten 2-1 away at Punjab United on 29 September.

Tuesday's fixture brings together two clubs who have shared the pitch previously, although it has been several years since the last competitive meetings.

The most recent meetings came during the 2017/18 season when both clubs were competing in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division.

Whitstable won 4-2 away at Croydon Athletic in January 2018 before completing the double with a 3-0 victory at the Belmont in April.

That 2017/18 campaign would prove to be a memorable one for the Oystermen, with Whitstable going on to secure promotion.

Almost nine years later, the two clubs meet again at Step 4 with three important league points at stake.

Croydon Athletic's position near the top of the table demonstrates the challenge facing the Oystermen on Tuesday night.

The Rams have already shown they are capable of competing at the top end of the division, while Whitstable will be looking to build on Saturday's victory to secure another positive result.

Under the lights at the YMS Stadium, the Oystermen will be looking to match the energy and determination shown at Broadbridge Heath and give the home supporters another performance to get behind.

The Oystermen are back under the lights at the YMS Stadium, and supporters can enjoy the full matchday offering.

The Scoreboard Shack will be open, serving a range of hot food, while the clubhouse and bars will also be open, offering a selection of beverages.

Belmont Bites is also back open following investment and improvements, including new equipment and container units to help improve efficiency.

Supporters are encouraged to arrive early, grab something to eat and drink and get behind the Oystermen as we look to continue our league campaign.

Concession admission is available for disabled visitors, senior citizens aged 65 and over, and students with a valid NUS card.

Please provide proof of age and/or eligibility when claiming these benefits.

Under-14s will only be admitted when accompanied by a responsible adult.

Season tickets are valid for league fixtures.

Supporters are encouraged to purchase their tickets online in advance to make arrival as quick and easy as possible.

Automatic turnstiles are available at both the Car Park entrance and Belmont Road, allowing supporters with online tickets to simply scan the QR code on their phone and head straight into the ground.

Belmont Road entrance:
Online tickets only via the automatic turnstiles.

Car Park automatic entrance – East Side of the Main Stand:
Online tickets only via the automatic turnstiles.

Car Park staffed entrance – West Side of the Main Stand:
Cash and card payments accepted on the day.

Purchasing online before matchday is the quickest way into the YMS Stadium and helps reduce queues at the turnstiles.

Purchase your tickets here.

For those travelling by car, please use CT5 4LN for navigation. This will take you directly to the drive leading to the stadium car park.

Please note: All cars parked in the car park are left at the owner's risk.

First-team manager Lee Martin is looking for his side to build on Saturday's important victory.

"It was a really positive result for us on Saturday and the performance gave everyone a lift.

"Now we have to make sure we take that into Tuesday night. Croydon have had a very good start and they're up near the top of the table for a reason, so we know the level of performance we're going to need.

"We've got home advantage and we want to use that. The supporters were fantastic again on Saturday despite being away from home and we'll need that same backing at the Belmont.

"It's another opportunity for us to pick up points and build some momentum, and we'll be giving everything to get the result."

The Oystermen return to the Belmont looking to follow Saturday's away victory with another positive result.

Croydon Athletic will provide another stern test, but with home advantage and the supporters behind them, Whitstable will be looking to make Tuesday night another important step forward.

Get down to the YMS Stadium, enjoy the atmosphere under the lights and get behind the Oystermen.