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Whitstable boss Lloyd Blackman keen to cut out costly mistakes

Lloyd Blackman admits ‘fine margins’ has become a familiar term in the Whitstable dressing room.

The Oystermen played out back-to-back 1-1 draws on Saturday and Tuesday against Haywards Heath and Cray Valley respectively.

As with many teams in Isthmian South East, cutting out lapses in concentration and costly mistakes has emerged as key focus for Town.

Lloyd Blackman. Picture by: John Westhrop
Lloyd Blackman. Picture by: John Westhrop

Manager Blackman said: “I think we deserved more from the two games.

“We limited Haywards to one shot on target. Callum Saunders has pulled a rabbit out the hat with a sensational strike. That was their only shot on target.

“We’re disappointed we didn’t get the three points. Haywards will be up there so a draw is a decent result.

“It was the same against Cray. The least we deserved was a draw, we just needed that final cutting edge.

“Fine margins is a phrase we’ve used quite a lot.

“Against Cray in particular we had one phase of errors and they’re in and then all of sudden we’ve produced more opportunities in more dangerous areas and just lacked that last little piece.

“The boys got their rewards for it with a late goal and again a point was the least we deserved.”

Blackman’s men were boosted by the arrival of Marshall Wratten on a month-long loan move from Dover at the weekend.

“He’s a good lad. Technically he’s very good,” said Blackman.

“He’s still developing so we can help him as well. I’m sure he’ll improve us – it’s a good signing.

“We’ll see what happens and then review things at the end of the month.

“He seemed tired towards the end on Saturday and put a great shift in on Tuesday. Over two games you can see improvement.

“He’s only going to get stronger and better, which will benefit both us and him.”

Marshall Wratten in action for Whitstable against Haywards Heath
Marshall Wratten in action for Whitstable against Haywards Heath

Whitstable also secured the signing of former Leatherhead and Dartford attacking midfielder John Ufuah.

Blackman said: “He’s pacey, direct, lively, he’s a bit of an old-fashioned winger. He’s tricky.

“There are a few things we need to iron out of his game but he’s another young lad whose work ethic is fantastic.

“He has a real desire to improve and that’s essential.”

Harry Stannard has returned to reserve-team football as he continues his comeback from injury.

Tom Bryant and John Walker could return at Burgess Hill on Saturday having been struggling with knocks the last two games.

Read more: All the latest Kent sport news

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