Danny Ward remained bullish about Whitstable’s Ryman League, Division 1 South play-off hopes despite losing ground in the race for fifth as the season enters its final month.

Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Three Bridges on Saturday allowed Whyteleafe to open up an eight-point lead over Town, with a superior goal difference.

Just six games remain but a frustrated Ward refused to admit defeat in the play-off race, despite falling to eighth and bottom of the ‘four-team league’ vying for fifth.

He said: “Whyteleafe were the first team to beat (leaders) Burgess Hill last week which was unexpected and made things more difficult for us. Worthing scoring seven at South Park and Herne Bay keeping on winning doesn’t help us either.

“The twists and turns all went against us this weekend but as we said to the players, there will be more twists and turns every week until the season is done.

“The gap is not insurmountable. Whyteleafe have hit form but we just have to try and win our last six games and see where it takes us.

“Carshalton away (on Saturday, 3pm) won’t be easy but we have to start somewhere.”
He added: “The one thing we have said to the players is not to take it easy. If they take their foot off the pedal and Whyteleafe do mess up, then they would be left kicking themselves. It’s still all to play for.”