I'm confident that we can put a few things right, says Herne Bay boss Sam Denly

The Bay grabbed a dramatic late leveller to snatch a 2-2 draw down on the Sussex coast in Saturday’s FA Cup Preliminary Round tie.

“Disappointing performance to be fair from the lads,” admitted Denly, who was thankful for two goals from defender Danny Walder to avoid an embarrassing FA Cup exit.

“We weren’t at it really for 90 minutes. It wasn’t an easy place to go. They were busy, well organised and a physical side and on the day I was happy to get the draw to come back to ours on Tuesday.

“I said to the lads we’ve got to have a plan B. They were a physical side, they had a good player up front and they put it about and we have to match that.

“We went one-up and I thought at the time we looked comfortable and then we gave away two sloppy goals and all of a sudden we were a minute from going out of the Cup – we’ve got to be thankful we’ve got a second chance - another bite of the cherry.

“I expect us to put in a decent performance tomorrow night and get the result.”

Lower league club’s normally only have one shot at causing an upset especially on their own patch – but Herne Bay should get the job finished off on the large pitch at Winch’s Field.

“At the end of the day the FA Cup is a one-off competition,” said Denly. “It was a three to four hour coach journey. We got to the ground at twenty-past-two and they were up for it, playing a team higher up from them.

“They worked hard, they were a decent side. They came at us on the day.    These things happen in football.

“We’re lucky now to get the draw – last kick of the game pretty much.

“But I’m expecting it to be a different story on our own home pitch, a bigger pitch to play football.

“I’m confident and convinced the lads can put in a performance and put a few things that were wrong, put them right tomorrow night.

There is a big incentive for Herne Bay to beat their Sussex County League opponents because they could travel to Kent rivals Folkestone Invicta in the next round on 14 September.

Neil Cugley’s side were held to a 3-3 draw at home to Molesey at the weekend and travel to Walton Road on Tuesday night for the replay.

“Another big game,” said Denly. “They’re all big games, whether it’s The FA Cup, the League or League Cup.

“There’s no easy games this season. Every away game is going to be a hard encounter.

“If we win tomorrow night we go to Folkestone hopefully. It’s a big draw. We want to have a run in the Cup. It’s good for the club. Winning becomes a habit. It brings in revenue and it brings in the crowds.

“Tomorrow is a massive game for us and we’ll be going there all out to win it.

“There will be changes. I made it clear to the boys I wasn’t happy on Saturday with the performance from the whole team.  Danny Walder was excellent and was the only one.

“I’ll certainly make changes from Saturday to the starting eleven.”

Visit Herne Bay’s website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/hernebay

Herne Bay  v  Eastbourne United
The FA Cup with Budweiser Preliminary Round Replay
Tuesday 3^rd September 2013
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Winch’s Field, Stanley Gardens, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5SG