Whitstable Town boss Jamie Coyle says 4-0 home win over Sutton Athletic could prove key in Southern Counties East League Premier Division title push

Manager Jamie Coyle reckons table-topping Whitstable’s latest win could be a crucial one in the context of their title bid.

The Oystermen started 2026 with a 4-0 Southern Counties East Premier Division success over Sutton Athletic, an eighth successive victory, last weekend.

With many other scheduled matches falling victim to the cold weather, it allowed Whitstable to open up an eight-point advantage over second-placed Larkfield & New Hythe, who they still have a game in hand on.

Coyle’s team will switch their attention away from league matters after this Saturday’s trip to Stansfeld until January 31 so their boss is well aware of the significance of getting points on the board.

“It was so important,” stressed Coyle. “Before the game, we weren’t really aware of the postponements.

"We had two games in hand and that ended up being one of them.

“Looking at it, we’re going to have two weekends coming up where we’re going to have our Vase game (at Harpenden Town) and then our Kent Senior Cup quarter-final (against Fisher) where we’re not going to be playing in the league.

“That’s why it’s important we put as many points on the board as we can.”

An attendance of 1,110 braved the elements at The Belmont. It was the third game running Whitstable have played in front of a crowd of more than 1,000 at their home ground after they ended 2025 with a 2-1 ‘away’ triumph over tenants Faversham Strike Force.

“To have more than 1,000 in our last three games at home - I know one was officially an away game - but that’s absolutely phenomenal,” said Coyle.

“It’s so pleasing to see the hard work of everyone at the club being rewarded. Winning and being where we are in the league, and having that success, that does help.

“The fans have come