Whitstable’s first league assignment since their latest FA Vase heroics at the weekend is a big one tonight.

The Oystermen resume their charge towards the Southern Counties East League Premier Division play-off spots as they visit frontrunners VCD, days on from beating Whitchurch Alport 3-2 in their Vase quarter-final in front of a club-record Belmont attendance.

While the Vickers lead the way in the league, a point ahead of second-placed Faversham and with a game in hand, Jamie Coyle’s men beat VCD 2-1 at Oakwood in November on their way to the Kent Senior Trophy final.

“It’s going to be a very tough game,” said player-manager Coyle, whose team are on a seven-game winning run. “They’re a very good side and, on paper, they’re probably the favourites to win the league.

“It’s going to be a tough game - but we beat them in the Trophy at their place.

“We’re going to have to start the game a lot better than what we did, but confidence will be sky-high after Saturday.

“We have got two players in Deano (Dean Grant) and Brad [Schafer], who weren’t available on Saturday, who have played week-in, week-out, for us.

“You kind of almost forget that you have had to change the team with those two different starters and still got through in a national competition.

“That’s what we’re now going to need between now and the end of the season.”

The match could also see a prompt reunion with his former club for VCD’s Liam Gillies, the midfielder having left the Oystermen last month.