Herne Bay coach Tim Dixon admits January was a month to forget as head coach Darren Beale leaves to become Potters Bar Town assistant manager

Coach Tim Dixon concedes Herne Bay had a January to forget - as one of Ben Smith’s backroom team moves on.

Isthmian Premier Potters Bar have announced Bay head coach Darren Beale has become new manager Sammy Moore’s assistant, the pair worked together at Hemel Hempstead.

Beale is joined at Potters Bar by Herne Bay right-back Jacques Kpohomouh who has also signed following the appointment of Deal-born former Football League midfielder Moore.

On the field, Smith’s side lost 2-1 at Isthmian Premier Margate in the Velocity Cup on Tuesday, despite Bode Anidugbe’s second-half strike, having been beaten 2-0 at Isthmian South East promotion rivals Ramsgate last weekend.

“It’s not the January that we hoped for, although we had a couple of tough fixtures in there as well which we felt we were unlucky in,” reflected Dixon.

“At Ramsgate, I thought we played quite well on Saturday but two mistakes cost us. Their keeper has made a hell of a save, and we hit the bar in the first half and in the second half.

“The Ashford game was quite tough and we were unlucky not to take three points in the games against Corinthian and Sittingbourne, which we drew.

“On Tuesday, we put in a very, very good performance at Margate.

"We were unlucky not to take it to penalties. But a couple of magic moments from them were the difference.

“We could do with winning ugly.

"It’s a cliche but, sometimes, you just need to get three points on the board.

"But all through this period, we have had tremendous support from the Herne Bay faithful."

Sixth-placed Bay will host East Grinstead, who are on an eight-game unbeaten run, this Saturday.

“When we are playing at home, we should not be fearing anyone,” insisted Dixon.

“We’re not there to draw, we want to win every