Whitstable Town to start new era under manager Lee Martin against Roffey - who were opening-day 8-0 victors - in FA Cup extra preliminary round at The Belmont

Manager Lee Martin is confident Whitstable will provide strong opposition for their weekend visitors - whose season got off to a flyer.

The Isthmian South East Oystermen kick-off a new era when they host Roffey in the FA Cup extra preliminary round this weekend.

Roffey, of the Southern Combination League Premier Division, thrashed Little Common 8-0 in their league opener last weekend with four goals from Jordan Mase.

They followed it up with a 3-2 midweek win at Crawley Down Gatwick.

But Martin is confident that his new recruits will step up for Whitstable, including the likes of defenders Ian Gayle and Jeremiah Gyebi, winger Kenny Aileru and strikers Kweku Lucan and Alex Wall who have all played at a higher level.

“They’re a good side,” said Martin. “I will go on record now, saying their strength is also their weakness [being a good footballing side].

“They have had a very good pre-season by all accounts and they have that continuity with the core of their players.

“It was a good win for them on Saturday - 8-0! But we’re a different beast. At least I’d like to think we are, anyway.

“With those Step 3 boys that have played higher, I’m confident there is a bit more to come from them once the season starts.

“We will give all the boys the information they need on Thursday.

"Then, they will have to go out there themselves and execute the game-plan.”

Martin, 39, has plenty of fond memories of playing in the FA Cup and would love to lead Whitstable on a run this term.

He scored the winner as former club Ramsgate were 2-1 FA Cup first-round victors at home against Woking in November 2023 at Southwood.

“I love the FA Cup!,” said Martin. “It doesn’t mean as much to the players as it did to those when I was around.

“Watching the