Whitstable Town manager Lee Martin praises Matty Holness as defender nets rare goal in 2-0 win over Erith Town before 4-2 midweek success sends Oystermen top of Isthmian South East

Matty Holness’ attitude has pleased Whitstable manager Lee Martin.

The former Dover academy player opened the scoring in the first half as the Oystermen made it eight successive Isthmian South East wins, beating Erith Town 2-0 last weekend.

They extended that run to nine and now sit top - two points clear of the chasing pack - after first-half goals by Billie Clark (2), Kane Rowland and Robbie Rees sealed a 4-2 success at Horley on Tuesday.

Holness’ goal against Erith was a first of the season for the defender and, while it was something of a collector’s item, he took it well as he fired past Harrison Firth.

Speaking before Tuesday’s win, Martin admitted: “He doesn’t get many!

“I don’t want to put the mockers on it - but that’s probably one and done for him for the season. With the profile of side we go with, Matty, sometimes, finds himself on the bench.

“But his attitude has been fantastic. He’s disappointed but there is never a moan.

“I’m pleased to be working with Matty and for him to be showing what he’s all about.”

Erith Town are near the top-end of the table and Whitstable only sealed the points in front of an attendance of 726 at The Belmont with 11 minutes to play, substitute Rees lobbing Firth for a fine second.

“They’re a very good side,” said Martin, who saw midfielder TJ Jadama recalled from his loan by Ramsgate ahead of the match, with Koby Yeboah also departing for Dulwich Hamlet.

“I like what Aaron Jeffery has done there. Him and Calum McGeehan (player-assistant manager) have got something good going. I was concerned, going into that game.

“Having said that, I felt we were the best version of ourselves. It’s probably the worst I have felt, going into a game with TJ going back and Koby moving on.

“But as