Herne Bay boss Steve Lovell predicts stiff examination from weekend visitors Lancing in Isthmian South East

Manager Steve Lovell predicts weekend visitors Lancing will provide Herne Bay with a stern test.

Bay have made a strong start to their Isthmian South East campaign and are in the play-offs - but have picked up just one point from their last two games.

Without several key players due to injury, they suffered a 2-0 derby defeat at Sittingbourne on Tuesday, having drawn 1-1 at Broadbridge Heath last weekend as defender Harrison Pont cancelled out an early opener.

Lancing have six points from five games ahead of their trip to Winch’s Field this Saturday.

Lovell recalls facing them while with Ramsgate last term and, although the hosts won 2-1 at Southwood, they were given a run for their money.

“They’re a good side,” said Lovell.

“I remember them from last year when I was at Ramsgate. We beat them 2-1 at home - but I remember them being a very good footballing side. It will be a tough game.

“If you look at the results from Tuesday, anyone can beat anyone in this division.

“It’s all about what happens on the day and how we can prepare for it because they can be a very good team.

“The main thing is keeping in the top-half of the table until the last 10 or 15 games of the season and then having a go.

“We just need to keep improving and see where it takes us.”

A mistake from Bay keeper Harry Brooks proved to be costly on his Woodstock return as they went down to Sittingbourne.

Lovell reflected: “I made four changes from the weekend because of injuries.

“We went into the game with a gameplan and I thought we did quite well. We had a lot of possession and, not necessarily shots on goals, but lots of free-kicks and corners that put their keeper under pressure.

“It was a tight game, it always is when you play Sittingbourne at their