We're going to be a difficult side to beat this season, says Herne Bay boss Sam Denly

HERNE BAY manager Sam Denly says he is pleased with his side’s solid start to the new season.

The Kent coast outfit opened their campaign with a goal-less draw at relegated Carshalton Athletic, before Connor Sanders’ early goal sealed a 1-0 win over their Kent rivals Hythe Town on Tuesday night.

The Bay are sitting in tenth-place in the Ryman League Division One South table, which is pleasing the boss.

“We have started the first two games well and shown that we’re going to be a difficult side to beat this season,” said Denly.

“We are looking very solid at the back and two clean sheets is a good way to start things off.

“But we’re not getting carried away. It’s very early on and we need to keep working hard and transforming all the work we’re doing in practice into games.”

Games between Herne Bay and Hythe Town are normally tight affairs, going back to when the two were battling it out for Kent League titles not so long ago.

Denly said: “Again, we picked up a few injuries on Tuesday night against Hythe so personnel will have to change again today but it gives others a chance to stake a claim for the shirt.

“Tuesday was a hard fought win. Hythe are a strong side and that was a game last season we would have lost but we have grown as a side and kept the majority from last season and that is showing already.

“We look more gelled as a side and hopefully that brings some consistency in our performances and results.”

Walton Casuals arrive at Winch’s Field today sitting at the foot of the table after losing to Hastings United (0-2) and newly-promoted side South Park (1-3).

But Denly warned: “Walton Casuals will be another tough game. They have lost their first two games but I don’t read anything into that.

“I believe anyone can beat anyone in this league.

“We have to make sure we stick to what we have been doing and put the same performance levels into the game as we have the first two.

“It’s important to pick as many points up as you can early on and that’s exactly what we’ll be looking to do in the opening month of the season.”

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

Herne Bay  v  Walton Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 16^th August 2014
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Winch’s Field, Stanley Gardens, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5SG