I'm happy with progress so far, says Herne Bay boss Sam Denly

HERNE BAY manager Sam Denly says he is happy with the progress being made during his first season in charge at Winch’s Field.

The Bay started their campaign slowly but back-to-back wins over Tooting & Mitcham United (3-1) and Tuesday night’s brilliant 6-0 win away to previous league leaders Walton Casuals has propelled the club into ninth-place in the Ryman League Division One South table with 31 points from 22 games.

Herne Bay are now only four points adrift of fifth-placed Faversham Town and fly to Guernsey, who are sitting in seventh-place in the table, where a win in the Channel Islands will see Denly’s men leapfrog over their hosts.

“We’re looking forward to the trip to Guernsey, something new for everyone connected to the club,” said Denly.

“We are looking to embrace the day and going there full of confidence after two excellent performances and results so we can enjoy the day and go there looking to bring points home with us.”

After Guernsey, Herne Bay face three mouth-watering Kent derbies, starting with the showdown against Nicky Southall’s Whitstable Town at Winch’s Field on Boxing Day, Thursday 26 December (3pm).

Whitstable Town are presently sitting in the bottom six with 23 points from 18 games and are playing catch-up in the league owing to their eight-match epic FA Trophy run, which was ended by Conference South side Ebbsfleet United last Saturday, who won 2-1 at The Belmont in the Second Round.

Herne Bay then travel to sixth-placed Folkestone Invicta (28 December) and then to Faversham Town on the first day of the New Year.

“We have a very busy and tough Christmas programme but again a period we’re looking forward too,” said Denly.

“We’ve got a lot of local derbies and as players and management there the games you want to be involved in.

“There’s a lot of excitement around the club in anticipation of the Christmas period and we’re now working and training hard making sure we are fully prepared for the busy schedule we have ahead. 

“We have had two great results in our last two games and will look to add to that over the Christmas period.”

Denly said he is happy with Herne Bay’s league position going into the crucial festive period.

He said: “We are sitting just above mid-table and I’m happy with progress so far.

“It’s a very tight league this year and is proving on their day anyone can beat anyone.  The league doesn’t lie and we are where we should be on merit to date.

“Nothing has changed with regards to aspirations. We want to be a secure Ryman League outfit and midtable was our original goal and remains the same. 

“We are a decent young team and will continue to improve and compete as we also look to build for the future.

“I am happy with progress and as a management team we continue to learn.  Our last few games and results show how far we have come as a squad in only a short space of time and the hard work will continue as we look to move Herne Bay Football Club forward.”

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

Guernsey  v  Herne Bay
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 21^st December 2013
Kick Off 1:00pm
At Footes Lane Stadium, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 2UL