Liam Gillies has a target in mind for the number of goals and assists he wants to contribute for Whitstable this season.

The midfielder got both types of goal contributions in the Oystermen’s FA Cup 2-0 victory at Southern Counties East Premier Division rivals VCD in Saturday’s player-of-the-match performance.

His 83rd-minute goal was his first of the campaign.

Gillies said: “That’s one thing I have definitely been looking to add to my game.

“Hopefully, once you get one, it becomes easier because, when you’re chasing your first one, it’s always hard. But hopefully, I can kick on.

“Double digits would be a nice target. Whether I can get there or not, we will have to see.

“But anything over eight would be good. If I can get double digits in assists as well, that would be a top season for me.”

Gillies struck at VCD after he played a helping hand in Whitstable’s first goal, netted by Josh Oliver, in the second minute.

“He’s a good talent,” said Gillies. “He has a knack for putting the ball in the back of the net - that’s a good trait to have.

“Hopefully, Josh will get better and better with age.”

The Preliminary Round triumph, which has set up a First Qualifying Round home game against Isthmian Premier Wingate & Finchley on September 2, saw Marcel Nimani’s troops keep a clean sheet as Dan Eason replaced Harry Brooks, who played in their 3-3 draw with Lordswood last time out.

Gillies noted: “Harry did well when he came in. I don’t think any of the goals were his fault against Lordswood.

“But Dan Eason has been excellent for so many years.

“He’s one of the best keepers I have played with. If you do concede a chance or two, he helps you out.

“Knowing you have that behind you gives us confidence.”

Electrician Gillies played under manager Nimani when he was a coach at Sheppey during their quadruple-winning 2021/22 campaign.

“Marcel has been brilliant,” said Gillies. “He’s just a brilliant person on and off the pitch.

“Especially in non-league football, it’s always nice to work with people you get on with. I think that gets the best out of you in your career.

“The style of play that he plays really suits my game. The time we had at Sheppey was quality, first time around. We’re trying to replicate that.

“Whitstable’s definitely not a SCEFL club - it’s definitely an Isthmian League club. Hopefully, we can repay him and get on a run now.

“He’s brilliant tactically and in terms of getting the team to trust each other. Hopefully, we can show that on the pitch.”

Whitstable will visit Faversham for their first league match on their new 3G pitch at Salters Lane on Monday.

Gillies, who played alongside Faversham’s Warren Mfula, Matt Parsons, Billy Bennett and Jefferson Aibangbee at Holm Park, said: “As a player, the games like the Faversham one - with their new pitch and a big crowd - that’s not something you get every week so, hopefully, I’ll enjoy it.

“But saying that, we get good crowds at home, which is good. As a player, there’s nothing better than having a big crowd behind you.

“The Faversham one, I’m sure they will be wanting to turn it on and get three points. But hopefully, we can spoil the party a little bit.

“We’ll definitely need to be at our best to do that.”

Before then, Whitstable host Kennington this Saturday.

He said: “Kennington is never easy. There’s no easy games and we learnt that quite quickly when we played Glebe.

“The league this year is going to be so tough. Everyone is going to be half decent and organised.”