Herne Bay manager Steve Lovell on attacking midfielder Kane Haysman’s form as he scores in 3-2 win against Littlehampton Town and 1-1 Boxing Day draw at Deal Town

Kane Haysman is reaping the rewards of playing centrally, according to Herne Bay manager Steve Lovell.

The one-time Gillingham attacking midfielder was again on target off the substitutes’ bench - after arriving late as he got stuck in traffic problems - in last weekend’s 3-2 Isthmian South East home win over Littlehampton.

It took his tally to 12 goals this season while top scorer Mike Salako and midfielder Scott Heard were also on target.

While the 29-year-old is happy to play wherever he’s asked, Lovell thinks it’s clear to see where he’s most effective.

He said: “It’s about playing him in the positions where he should play.

“If you ask him to play anywhere, he’ll do it because he’s so versatile.

“But we need to play him more centrally - either as a No.10 or up front - and he’ll always get you a goal. That’s where his goal came from on Saturday.

“He came on up top and took his goal well.”

Haysman replaced striker Lauric Diakiesse on the hour against Littlehampton, with midfielder Freddie Oliver also having joined Bay. They made their debuts in Boxing Day’s 1-1 draw at Deal.

Haysman broke the deadlock in the fifth minute at the Charles Sports Ground, only for ex-Herne Bay player Rory Smith to equalise for Steve King’s side before half-time.

“I had Lauric at Ramsgate,” said Lovell, who has also re-signed young defender Joel Odeniran this week. “He’s a good lad.

“He holds the ball up well, he’s a good runner and he’s 100 per cent committed. He just gives us another dimension.

“With Kane Rowland being out over the Christmas period, we needed a centre-forward to come in, really, and take his place.

“He has done a good job. It’s nice to have him there.

“It’s good to have Freddie, as well. He has settled into the midfield.

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