Rebels near full fitness for Whitstable

Captain Tom Manton (calf) was the only first-team regular not involved on Tuesday evening against Chipstead, although he could be back for Saturday’s home match with lowly Whitstable.

Winger Tom Lawley (foot) came off the bench on Tuesday after missing the two previous games, while Mike Huckett was an unused sub after being taken off early on at Eastbourne Town on Saturday through a lack of energy, although he was fit to play against Chipstead.

Jamie Brotherton made his first start since early January, after a groin injury, on Tuesday and came through the game fine and Rebels boss Chris White has also dual-signed Lancing defender Sam O’Regan to bolster his squad when Lancers do not have a game.

Only young striker Josh Clack, who has made four substitute appearances, is currently ruled out as he is expected to miss a month with an ankle ligament injury.

Competition for places will give White a nice selection headache for Saturday, when he does not want his side to take second from bottom Whitstable lightly.

He said: “It’s a dangerous game for us, which is what I said to the lads after the game on Tuesday.

“We’ve got to approach the game with the same mentality as we did Chipstead to make sure we get the result.”