Boss Richard Styles is thrilled with the way Whitstable attacker Harry Stannard has adapted his game since his return.

Stannard re-joined the Oystermen this summer and started at Fisher last weekend as they won their opening Southern Counties East Premier Division fixture of the season.

He won a penalty which Fjord Rogers didn’t convert before Ryan Flack netted the only goal - also from the spot - in the 31st minute.

“Harry has been with us a while,” said Styles. “He had come to us by about the second game of pre-season.

“He’s brought into what we are trying to do and Saturday was no different. He works extremely hard.

“We know what quality he has, the same goes for Ryan Flack.

"But at the same time, they have adapted their games a little bit.

“On another day, Harry scores, but he earned one of the penalties and had a very good game.”

It was a long trip to the St Paul’s Sports Ground but one Styles was pleased to get out of the way and the manager was delighted to leave with the points.

He said: “For the first game [of the season], it was a tough one with so far to travel.

“It’s not an away-day that you enjoy.

"But at the same time, we put a positive spin on it because it was good to get it out of the way early doors.

"To go there and get the three points, with a clean sheet to boot, is a very pleasing start."

Attention now switches to the FA Cup as Styles’ side visit Isthmian South East side Three Bridges in the extra preliminary round this Saturday.

On what Whitstable know about the West Sussex side, Styles replied: “A few little bits and pieces.

“Some of the boys know them from playing against them last season.

“We are underdogs but we will go there with a game-plan, and do everything we can to try and win the game.”

The winner will earn £1,125 in prize money.

Styles added: “It’s money that’s available.

"It’s really important for teams.”