Whitstable Town player-manager Jamie Coyle relishing underdogs tag ahead of the visit of unbeaten Jersey Bulls for FA Vase tie

Boss Jamie Coyle is relishing Whitstable’s underdogs tag ahead of Saturday’s FA Vase tie against one of the competition favourites.

The Oystermen will host unbeaten Combined Counties Premier Division South side Jersey Bulls in the third round, kick-off 12.30pm at The Belmont.

Southern Counties East League Premier Division Whitstable, once again, have slightly depleted options. But the fixture is set to attract a bumper crowd, including several fans who will travel over from the island.

Coyle, who took in Bulls’ 4-3 victory at Corinthian-Casuals with No.2 Matt Longhurst last midweek, said: “They’re one of the favourites to win the Vase.

“I’m really looking forward to the game. We’re going to go in as underdogs.

“They’re unbeaten but it’s a great opportunity for us to showcase what we’re capable of doing, even though two of our scorers from Saturday are cup-tied.”

Among those to miss out will be in-form forward Dean Grant and midfielder Liam Gillies - who both netted in last weekend’s 3-0 league win against Erith & Belvedere - while defender Jake McIntyre remains suspended.

“We’re going to have to shake things up a little bit,” admitted Coyle. “But I always say the same thing, that it will give some players an opportunity to stake their claim for the shirt.

“Harvey Smith has had to wait his turn when he’s come back from his ban. But he has delivered so I see it as a positive.”

Gillies’ goal against Erith & Belvedere was his first this term and came after a conversation with the squad about adding more goals from midfield.

Coyle said: “He was man-of-the-match. He was brilliant in midfield, just with his energy.

“We have set a bit of a target in terms of, before Saturday, we’d only got one goal from midfield in the whole