Whitstable Town midfielder Lewis Chambers on chance to reach Kent Senior Trophy final, rematch with Rusthall and playing for Oystermen under manager Jamie Coyle

Lewis Chambers has highlighted the importance of the Kent Senior Trophy for Whitstable’s squad.

The Oystermen, beaten 3-2 by Larkfield & New Hythe in last term's final, will host Rusthall in a semi-final fixture this Saturday.

While Whitstable are clear at the Southern Counties East League Premier Division summit, the Trophy is now the only other chance Jamie Coyle’s side will have to win silverware after their FA Vase defence ended at the last-16 stage earlier this month.

“It keeps the season alive,” said midfielder Chambers.

“Yes, we have got top of the league to play for, but this is just another little added bonus. It’s disappointing we lost in the Vase because that would have been a massive one for us again.

“But it’s something else for us to play for to keep us on our toes.

“I don’t know what Coyley will do but it might provide some valuable minutes for certain players.

“These cup competitions are always good for the whole squad.”

Ironically, the teams met at The Belmont in the league just last weekend as braces by top scorer Javaun Splatt and midfielder Harvey Kedwell, alongside Bradley Schafer's effort, saw the Oystermen to a 5-0 victory.

But play-off occupants Rusthall are in contention for promotion into Isthmian South East themselves.

Chambers said: “It’s a difficult one with the mindset of players, knowing you have just beaten them 5-0, but it just might not have been their day.

“That’s why we have got to prepare right again, like we do for every game, and make sure we don’t take our foot off the gas to make sure we’re in the final.”

Whitstable extended their unbeaten league streak to 17 matches since September’s 2-0 home loss to Snodland as they came from behind to claim a 4-2 triumph over Tunbridge Wells on