Whitstable Town player-boss Jamie Coyle says excitement is spreading throughout town ahead of FA Vase semi-final first leg in front of sell-out crowd at The Belmont

Whitstable player-manager Jamie Coyle believes the excitement is spreading ahead of their massive FA Vase semi-final.

The Southern Counties East Premier Division side sit two matches from a Wembley final.

The Oystermen will play Hellenic League Premier Division champions-elect Hartpury University in front of a sell-out crowd at The Belmont in the first leg on Saturday before the second leg in Gloucestershire eight days later.

“The whole town is excited,” said Coyle. “It’s a really good place to be.

“There’s certain stipulations in terms of ground improvements we have got to do - but that will have a lasting impact at the football club.

“Whether it’s new bars, toilets or drainage systems that have been put in, that’s really good for the club’s long-term future. It’s good to see the hard work behind the scenes being rewarded.

“We had 2,500 for the quarter-final and, having 3,000 this time, that’s going to be very good for everyone involved.

"Playing in the quarter-final, there were some nervy faces, especially early on, but that experience can only benefit them going forwards.

“We don’t just want to enjoy the semi-final - we want to give ourselves a shot at a Wembley final. I’m sure a lot more people will want to support us for that!

"But it’s just one game at a time.”

Plenty of scouting work has again been done by Coyle’s backroom staff on what to expect from Hartpury University.

Unlike the other three FA Vase semi-finalists, Whitstable have also been handed the benefit of not having any midweek game before either leg.

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Coyle revealed: “We watched two or three of their games before training on Tuesday. We looked at what their strengths are and, potentially, where we can