There may only be just over 8 miles between Salters Lane and The Belmont, but the gulf in class between the two sides was evident as Faversham ran out 2-1 winners over Whitstable in the A299 derby, in a match that ended closer than the hosts would have liked.

Although Faversham were nearly caught cold within 90 seconds, they dominated the chances, but only had Charley Robertson’s tap-in on 25 minutes to show for it.  Matt Bourne’s controlled finish was too good for Dan Eason on 66 to double the lead and after substitute Charlie Smith scored a consolation for Whitstable, they couldn’t break a resolute defence to find the equaliser.

Faversham’s manager, Ray Turner, had suggested in the week that Whitstable would be a formidable challenge, not least because the trio of ex-Lillywhites, Wayne Wilson (now Whitstable’s joint manager), Stuart King and Dean Grant were within their ranks.

But after the Oystermen had been undone by two long throws by Ashley Brown, Turner had to chuckle as he agreed “they should have known. It was a good weapon for us today and we’ve got good headers of the ball who created problems. It’s not easy keeping your feet in the areas at this time of year and both goals were really well taken, especially Matt’s.”

“It wasn’t the most enjoyable last 20 minutes or so watching from the touchline, but the job was done from our point of view. The result was the most important thing as we haven’t had the best record against them, especially here.”

“We had everything to lose today.  It was one of those games where we probably should have been a couple ahead at the break. The goal probably relaxed us; we got the second but unfortunately didn’t hold onto it long enough, so it got a bit nervy.”

Whitstable almost stunned their hosts within 90 seconds as a long clearance suddenly led to a 3-on-1 attack. Dean Grant fed the ball into the path of Stuart King, who played it on to Ira Jackson’s run on the right wing, but when the cross came into the box, there was no-one in a red shirt making up the ground.

From then on, it was virtually one-way traffic up the hill of the Salters Lane pitch, as Faversham dominated the Oystermen in the first half. Whitstable’s Stuart King, who joined from Faversham 3 weeks ago, was forced to feed of scraps, and only had an audacious 25-yard chip, that Will Godmon had to shift his feet quickly to get in to a position to catch, to count in the visitors attacking column.

Dan Eason, in the Whitstable goal, was by far the busier keeper; twice out quickly to smother chances for Renford Tenyue and Luke Harvey although he could watch with comfort as shots from Ryan Cooper and Tenyue flew past the net.

The deadlock was broken on 25, from an Ashley Brown long throw deep on the right wing. Harvey flicked the ball into the 6-yard box and before a red shirt could react, Charley Robertson nipped in to force the ball past Eason.

Following the goal, it was Faversham who continued to pile on the pressure with Cooper seeing a goalbound header blocked by Joe Kennett, although the rest of their chances were from distance. The returning Luke Harvey, responding to a call from Ray Turner to bring some experience to the front line, latched onto a diagonal ball from Jamie Maxted to create a chance for Robertson, who fired wide.

Eason had to produce a sprawling save to his left to turn a shot from George Monger round the post, but his final save of the half was more comfortable from Robertson; whose weaving run had torn through the Whitstable midfield.

Whatever was said during the interval in the Whitstable changing room had an immediate effect as the visitors returned to the pitch with a much greater purpose, and saw two good chances slip away. Dean Grant had a shot shave the right hand upright and Stuart King found space ahead of the same post, but couldn’t direct a header on target.

Just as Whitstable looked likely to level, it was Faversham who struck again, with Brown’s long throw being the catalyst. A throw, this time from the left, was flicked into the middle by Harvey, where Matt Bourne made the first move, and deftly hooked a left foot shot over Dan Eason, with the keeper only able to push the shot in off the bar.

Three minutes later, and Whitstable gained a foothold in the game.  Wayne Wilson’s corner from the left was misjudged by Will Godmon, and substitute Charlie Smith came in at the back post to head home, although Cooper almost got a touch on the line to divert the effort.

Godmon bravely made up for his error twice in the closing 20 minutes, taking blows both saving at the feet of King, who almost reached a cross/shot from Harry Stannard, then plucking the ball off the feet of Grant, who was attempting an acrobatic scissor kick inside the 6-yard box.

But Godmon saved his best for a Wilson freekick from 25 yards that bent and dipped over the wall, with the keeper flying high to his left to get a touch to take the ball over the bar, and earn his side a valuable three points.

FAVERSHAM TOWN: Will Godmon, Ryan Cooper, Jamie Maxted, David Botterill (Jack Sellens 83), Matt Bourne, Ashley Brown, Daniel Carrington, George Monger, Renford Tenyue, Luke Harvey (John Scarborough 82), Charley Robertson (Liam King 83).

Subs not used: Mobolaji Dawodu.

Goals: Charley Robertson 25, Matt Bourne 66.

Cautions: Jamie Maxted 55.

WHITSTABLE TOWN: Dan Eason, Cameron Heffernan, Reiss Crimmen, Ira Jackson (Charlie Smith 46), Joe Kennett, Ricardo Thompson, Harry Stannard (Jack Sayer 85), Wayne Wilson, Stuart King, Dean Grant, Sam Conlon.

Subs not used: Jason Freoeme, Harry Brooks.

Goal: Charlie Smith 69.

Cautions: Wayne Wilson 10.

Attendance: 356
Referee: Mr Matt Foley
Assistants: Mr Andreas Demefriades and Mr Martyn Cannon