Manager Jamie Coyle praises Whitstable Town’s young prospects who have stepped up in their injury crisis - but admits he needs to add to squad

Boss Jamie Coyle has hailed Whitstable’s young prospects who have stepped up in their injury crisis as a credit to the club - but admits he needs to add to his squad.

The Oystermen seem to have kickstarted their Southern Counties East Premier Division season with last weekend’s 4-2 victory at Hollands & Blair being followed by a 2-1 home win against Bearsted on Tuesday.

Those wins have come with No.1 Dan Colmer (hand) and captain Mike West (groin) sidelined.

They also lost midfielder Fin Cotton (ankle) to injury at Hollands & Blair while defender Karn Miller-Neave (knee) and midfielder Reece Gillies (ankle) became their latest injury casualties in midweek.

Coyle, who is working hard with No.2 Matt Longhurst to strengthen their ranks, said: “We’re really down to the bare bones.

“We have got a lot of options in the final third but in defence and midfield, we’re struggling a little bit, as well as not knowing how long Dan is going to be out for.

“When we went into the club, it was very much about improving on the last couple of years that the club has had. But also, there was a real focus on utilising the Academy.

“The last two games we have had a 17-year-old, Josh Robson, in goal. We have been using two 19-year-olds in midfield and a 17-year-old off the bench, as well.

“But long-term, it’s difficult to be successful if you don’t have enough experience around them.

“It’s about getting the balance right. The games are coming thick and fast.

“The youngsters have been absolutely outstanding. But we cannot rely on them every week to be the difference between us winning a game and losing a game.

“They have been a credit to themselves and a credit to the club.

“Myself and Matt come from development backgrounds. We recognise that