Whitstable Town player-manager Jamie Coyle faces similar issues again as his depleted team prepare for big last-16 home FA Vase match against Fleet Town

Whitstable player-boss Jamie Coyle faces his seemingly regular battle to put a side together for their FA Vase tie this weekend.

The Oystermen play in the last 16 for only the second time in their history when they host Fleet Town at The Belmont.

But Coyle will be without cup-tied duo Liam Gillies and Dean Grant while midfielders Adem Ramadan and Josh Oliver are both banned.

Whitstable beat Walsham Le Willows on penalties after a 1-1 draw in mid-January, having already seen off Jersey Bulls (2-1), Virginia Water (1-0), Hollands & Blair (1-0) and Corinthian-Casuals (4-1).

“In the last round at Walsham Le Willows, our travelling fans were unbelievable,” Coyle recalled. “They turned it into a home game.

“They deserve a home draw and for us to put in a really strong performance for them.

“We have got two players suspended, as well where, if you get two yellow cards across the competition, you’re suspended.

“If you got a yellow in your first Vase game and then the fifth Vase game of your season, you’re suspended. That’s one of the most ridiculous rules I’ve seen!

“But all that just helps add competition in our squad.

"Ronald Sithole is a prime example of that where he got his opportunity and, now, he’s got three goals in three games and he’s kept the shirt.

“It’s a test but, ultimately, we have got to believe in ourselves.

“Hopefully, we can make a bit more history for the club.”

Coyle is hoping to sign a midfielder and a forward ahead of the Vase tie.

But the former Welling and Dartford boss warned: “It’s tough.

“I’m calling on a lot of favours from people I know at higher clubs. Fleet Town are in a similar boat but they get a lot of their players from Farnham, who are a decent side.

“At the same time, you don’t want players