Herne Bay manager Steve Lovell on 20-goal striker Michael Salako after latest hat-trick in 3-1 Isthmian South East win against Broadbridge Heath

Prolific Herne Bay striker Michael Salako is on course for 30 goals this season.

That’s the verdict of boss Steve Lovell after Salako’s hat-trick in their 3-1 home win over Broadbridge Heath took him to 20 goals for the campaign.

Lovell said: “He’s there at the right time and always gets on the end of things.

“The boys have a bit of a laugh that he’s always in that box - but that’s where he should be.

“That’s 20 goals for the season now and we still have 13 (regular league) games to go. He could get to that 30-goal mark.

“Kane [Rowland] is on nine, as well. Between the two of them, they have nearly got 30 already. Hopefully, they can get some more.”

To have made it to the 20-goal mark is impressive for any forward.

Herne Bay hat-trick hero makes team-of-the-week

But what makes former Brightlingsea, Corinthian-Casuals, Tooting & Mitcham and Bowers man Salako’s record even more impressive is the fact he only joined Herne Bay from Maldon & Tiptree in September.

“He has done it in quick time,” admitted Lovell. “That was Mike’s second hat-trick of the season on Saturday.

“He will say that he’s missed a few but it just shows the way we’re creating things.

“We’re always keen to create chances and tend to score a few goals. Early on in the season we were conceding a few as well, but we’re looking a bit more solid.

“The goal difference is going up and, hopefully, will keep going up.

“That could be important come the end of the season.”

Salako bagged his first in front of a crowd of 425 at Winch’s Field on seven minutes, adding his second early in the second half. Although Broadbridge Heath pulled one back, Salako sealed the win on 77 minutes.

Lovell reflected: “We played quite well throughout, really, and created a few