Goalkeeper Jordan Perrin shone on his debut in Whitstable’s extra-time Kent Senior Trophy Quarter-Final triumph.

Marcel Nimani’s side progressed to the final four of the competition, as goals from midfielder Liam Gillies and winger Josh Williams proved the difference in their 3-1 win.

Those goals came after striker Emmanuel Oloyede had cancelled out an opening Faversham Strike Force effort from talented midfielder Marshall Wratten in the second half.

Perrin then produced a fantastic save at the death to prevent Southern Counties East Division 1 side Strike Force from completing an upset.

Nimani said: “He had a great debut, considering he hasn’t played much recently. I felt he was psychologically strong.

“There was a lot of pressure on Jordan. He made some great saves and one especially at 1-1, so well done to Jordan.”

Nimani was pleased with Whitstable’s overall performance against Faversham Strike Force but disappointed with their wastefulness in front of goal - something which nearly cost them dearly.

“That game just defined our entire season in 90 minutes,” he reflected. “It was a good performance by us in many ways.

“I felt we managed the intervals effectively. We just didn’t score enough. Then, at the other end, they scored a terrible goal from our perspective.

“When we did the statistics, we had 23 shots in the first 90 minutes - 18 inside their penalty box - and scored one goal.”

The last-eight tie was played in front of a crowd of 528 at The Belmont.

Nimani noted: “There was a fantastic crowd. There was an electric atmosphere, especially as we pushed for an equaliser.

“It was like a Final on its own. It’s good kudos for the club to reach the Semi-Final.”

Promotion-chasing Southern Counties East Premier Division Whitstable, who have just one league win in their last six, host Punjab United this Saturday.

United will aim to do the double over the Oystermen after last month’s 4-2 victory and Nimani is aware of how dangerous Chipie Sian’s side can be.

He explained: “If you catch Punjab on their day, they can beat anybody with the experience they have got and traditional non-league values. They can match you physically and tactically, and they have got very good players.

“We need to be firing on all cylinders if we’re going to be successful.”

Whitstable will then start a run of three straight away league fixtures at fellow promotion-chasing team Snodland on Wednesday.

Nimani said: “We have four away games in five after Saturday - three on the trot.

“Once we get past this period, we have a good run of home games, going into the end of the season. Hopefully, that will allow us to pick up some momentum.

“But we have got to get through this period first.”

The Oystermen are hopeful of a couple of new recruits in the next few weeks.

“We’re looking to add in a couple of positions - although nothing is confirmed yet,” he explained. “But there should be a couple of player additions in the next week or so.

Whitstable midfielder makes team-of-the-week

“When you look at our recent league form, it seems all positions could be up for upgrade. We will have to wait and see.”

Nimani also gave an injury update on left-back George Sheminant (knee) and Josh Oliver (ankle) - now level on 13 league goals with Williams - while player-goalkeeping coach Dan Eason (knee) remains out.

He said: “George is a little bit closer than Josh. I think we’re looking at mid-February for George and a bit later for Josh.

“We have just been unfortunate that we have lost some of our best players for the most important part of the season - the winter period.

“But if you look at other teams, it’s the same for them and you just need to adapt.”

Whitstable are joined in the Kent Senior Trophy Semi-Finals by Larkfield & New Hythe, Croydon and Erith Town.