There will be no favourite for Whitstable’s Kent Senior Trophy Semi-Final against Croydon, manager Marcel Nimani says.

Nimani’s Oystermen will welcome the play-off chasing Southern Counties East Division 1 team to The Belmont on Tuesday night after a free weekend.

But Nimani certainly will not underestimate a Croydon side which includes former Margate midfielder Ryan Palmer and ex-Ashford and Herne Bay keeper George Kamurasi.

Nimani said: “We know a heck of a lot about them.

“These are the sort of games where the league status can be quite misleading. I think they’re a fantastic side.

“They’re a side that could easily compete in the top seven in our league.

“I don’t see us being favourites because they have got some very experienced SCEFL Premier Division players.

“I think it’s going to take the best version of us to be successful. Anything less and we will be found out.”

With Croydon also at the same stage of the London Senior Trophy, the match has been pushed back to next midweek from this Saturday as their parent FA competition has to take priority.

“We’re a little bit disappointed,” noted Nimani.

“We wanted to play Croydon on Saturday because we feel that would have been more convenient for our supporters and their supporters but we’re unable to do that.

“I’ve spoken to the Croydon manager (Liam Giles) - he’s in agreement - but we will just try to make it as much of a spectacle on Tuesday.”

Whitstable earned a 1-0 league victory at VCD last weekend.

Nimani enthused: “Results-wise, I felt it was one of our strongest away results so far this season.

“They’re a good side that are on form. So, for us, it was a very good result.”

The match went ahead on the Vickers’ grass pitch at The Oakwood despite recent poor weather and Nimani praised the work their hosts had done to ensure the game was on.

He said: “The pitch was incredible.

“It just goes to show great clubs really take care of their facilities. It was in tremendous condition, considering the weather recently.

“They were great hosts, so thank-you and well done to everyone involved at the club.”

Whitstable’s only setback on an otherwise-productive afternoon was the late sending off of substitute Victor Aiyelabola after a coming together with VCD player Harry Sargent.

Nimani, who also had assistant Craig Coles cautioned in the final stages, said: “Considering how critical I was of referees, I think the referee and linesman had a good game on Saturday - until the last 10 minutes.

“I didn’t see the incident. But watching the Veo (highlights) back, we could see the referee was not looking at the incident.

“Prior to the incident, their defender fouled Victor, as well, so I felt the referee got that wrong. But I don’t want to be too critical of the referee.

“It’s just sad for Victor. He’s trying to rescue his season and it’s another setback.”

Midfielder Malachi Hudson - someone Nimani and Coles have previously worked with at Sheppey - made his debut at VCD while fit-again George Sheminant came off the bench.

On Hudson, Nimani said: “We are getting towards the last stages of the season and we want to work with players we know.

“We have got to be patient with him.

“He’s not had the most productive of seasons.

“But he’s 29, so he’s in that middle period where he’s experienced but still young enough to make a difference.”

Striker James Jeffrey and centre-back Ollie Gray will be cup-tied against Croydon.