Herne Bay boss Ben Smith: If you finish above Cray Valley then you’re looking at promotion in my eyes

HERNE BAY manager Ben Smith says he is relishing the start of their Isthmian League South East Division campaign tomorrow.

The Bay were among the promotion challenging clubs last season and welcome another one in the shape of Whyteleafe, who will prove a test at Winch’s Field.

“For all involved it’s great to have competitive league football back at Winch’s Field, particularly for the supporters,” said Smith.

“It’s been tough for those that live and breathe football to be without it, especially in some cases where it literally is their life, so from a mental health perspective, some renewed sense of normality is back and we can all look forward with optimism once again.

“If we are literally going off last season’s table, there are some huge games in the league tomorrow and that includes ourselves and Whyteleafe.

“It’s a tough start but if you can get off the mark with a win from this sort of game it really propels you into the season with a great deal of momentum.

“I expect lots of movement, energy and pace from them and I would say that are probably the most attacking style side in the league, which makes for an exciting tie as we don’t exactly look to sit back too often.”

Smith felt frustration after suffering a 1-0 defeat at Hastings United in The FA Cup Preliminary Round last weekend.

Herne Bay had goalkeeper George Kamurasi sent-off six minutes before half-time and were knocked out by Jack Dixon’s late winner in front of 400 fans at The Pilot Field.

“It was frustration in the FA Cup last week for us but ideal preparation against Hastings where I feel we were defensively strong, even when we were down to 10 men for such a long spell,” said Smith.

“I think this showed that our ambitions this season aren’t without substance. Although, I’ve said recently that everyone has made great improvements and there will be a lot that fancy their chances.

“If you finish above Cray Valley then you’re looking at promotion in my eyes.”

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

Herne Bay  v  Whyteleafe
Isthmian League South East Division
Saturday 18 September 2020
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Winch’s Field, Stanley Gardens, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5SG