Whitstable boss Marcel Nimani has moved to sign a goalkeeper with No.1 Dan Eason set for a spell on the sidelines.

Eason hadn’t featured in the promotion-chasing Oystermen’s last two Southern Counties East Premier Division matches due to a knee injury.

Dual-registered Herne Bay keeper Harry Brooks replaced him for last Tuesday’s 3-1 home win over Snodland before Aaron-Lee Wharton stepped in at Corinthian for their weekend loss by the same scoreline.

But Whitstable look to have a longer-term solution in experienced shot-stopper Jordan Perrin.

“Dan is going to be out for quite some time,” explained Nimani, who has also seen left-back George Sheminant pick up a knock to his knee.

“We have signed Jordan Perrin from Erith & Belvedere.

“I think that’s a great signing for us - he’s an experienced senior goalkeeper, and has promotions with Herne Bay and from this division with Erith & Belvedere last year on his CV.

“But, on the other hand, George Sheminant is going to be out for quite some time as well now. Josh and George, we’re hoping will return in February.

“We’re back looking at recruitment.”

Eason remains involved, though, having taken up a role on Nimani’s coaching staff earlier this campaign.

Nimani said: “Dan is just doing some coaching. We’re not sure exactly how long he will be out for.

“You also have to remember Josh Oliver, our top scorer, is out as well. But every team goes through these moments and you just need to adapt.”

Winger Josh Williams gave the Oystermen a dream start in the third minute at Gay Dawn Farm.

They could have doubled their lead, only for the Hoops to then strike twice in two minutes. Ex-Whitstable midfielder Sam Bewick secured the points after the interval.

“We made a really good start,” reflected Nimani, who has twice used young Trinidad & Tobago attacking midfielder Jabari Christmas off the bench since his arrival.

“I do think we were second-best on Saturday, Corinthian were the better team and worthy winners. But there were moments we didn’t take.

“We went 1-0 up and nearly went 2-0 up straight away, whereas Corinthian scored twice in two minutes. They were just clinical and we were not.

“Then, in the last 20 minutes, we had the momentum and hit the post twice. If we had made it 3-2, there could have been a different outcome.

“But, ultimately, Corinthian deserved the three points.”

Whitstable will aim to book a place in the last four of the Kent Senior Trophy when they host Faversham Strike Force this Saturday.

Nimani said: “We have spoken as a team about the fact that the club has not won a trophy for quite some time now.

“It’s great to still be in the competition at this time in the season.

“At home, we have got a great chance of getting to the next round. We all - the club, supporters and players - deserve a bit of success.

“We will certainly be fielding our strongest team.”

Strike Force sit mid-table in Division 1. But they made the play-offs last term in their first campaign at the level and were only denied by play-off winners Lydd at the Semi-Final stage.

Strike Force - who ground-share with Faversham Town at Salters Lane on their 3G pitch - also have talented ex-Dover midfielder Marshall Wratten, who has played on loan at Whitstable, among their ranks.

“I have watched them play,” Nimani said. “They came across to me as an organised unit and a stable side.

“They’re very cohesive.

“The last game I watched them play, I felt they were quite technically in tune. They’re also used to playing on 3G pitches. It will be an extremely tough game.

“We will need to be in the right mode and perform to our best because they have got some very good players.

“I know three or four personally and they’re very gifted footballers.”