Whitstable Town manager Lee Martin on pre-season-ending fixture as Oystermen meet AFC Whyteleafe for first time since FA Vase final at Wembley

Whitstable Town will conclude their pre-season against familiar opposition this Saturday.

Lee Martin’s Oystermen have arranged to play newly-promoted Isthmian Premier outfit AFC Whyteleafe before, seven days later, the competitive action begins for both clubs.

The last time Whitstable met Whyteleafe was a day forever etched into the club’s history as they lifted the FA Vase after a 2-1 extra-time triumph in May 2025 at Wembley.

It’s a warm-up match Whitstable manager Martin and AFC Whyteleafe head coach Nathan White were quick to agree.

Martin said: “It was important they had a competitive home friendly before the start of their season.

“I spoke to Nathan White and, inside 48 hours, the friendly was in hand. The clubs have had a good relationship since the Vase final.

"Whyteleafe, they have gone to a whole new level - but we’re not a million miles behind them.”

The Oystermen enjoyed a fixture-free weekend last week but Martin revealed a club scout had taken the opportunity to go and watch Roffey in action ahead of their home FA Cup extra preliminary round tie against them on August 8.

It’s followed by an Isthmian South East season opener at newly-promoted Peacehaven & Telscombe seven days later before on Tuesday, August 18, Reece Prestedge’s Sittingbourne side will be Whitstable’s league visitors.

“We have got Roffey in the cup in our first game on August 8,” said Martin. “That will be a tough game. They have had a successful pre-season.

“It certainly won’t be an easy game and is one that we won’t take lightly. We had a scout down there on Saturday.

"So, as much as the players had a bit of a jolly and let their hair down, we have been working behind the scenes and have watched VEO (highlights) from their game.

“The