Herne Bay manager Steve Lovell reminds players of off-the-ball duties at half-time during their 4-3 Isthmian South East home success over Horndean

Boss Steve Lovell had to remind Herne Bay’s players of their off-the-ball duties at half-time during their 4-3 weekend win over Horndean.

Bay returned to Isthmian South East action for the first time in a fortnight as they remained on the fringes of the play-offs.

First-half goals from striker Michael Salako and winger Theo Osinfolarin put the hosts in command at Winch’s Field - only for the away side to score twice in quick succession just before the interval.

But after Lovell’s half-time team-talk, frontman Kane Rowland’s effort and another goal for Salako put them back in control and, although Horndean netted again, Herne Bay held on.

Lovell reflected: “We were excellent, first half, went 2-0 up and it’s probably the best we have played all year.

“We were cruising - and then they got a goal out of nothing in added time. Then, they went up the other end and got another one.

“I was very disappointed at half-time. We went in at 2-2 and it was like we were 5-0 down.

“But a little team-talk and - it wasn’t so much a rollicking - but we went through what they need to understand if we’re going to progress this year.

“When we’re on the ball, we’re excellent. But out of the ball, we need to defend better - not individually - but as a group.

“We got another two goals in the second half and could have got some more. I was very pleased with the players’ response.”

Salako’s double moved him to 13 goals for the season - ending a mini-drought, having not netted since November 11.

“When you go a few games without scoring, you want to get back to scoring as soon as you can,” said Lovell, himself a popular forward in his playing days.

“I know what it’s like as a striker.

“Him and Kane did very well between them on Saturday. They worked