There will be no holding back for Herne Bay in a defining few days in their Isthmian Premier season as they play Lewes and Cray Wanderers

There will be no holding back for relegation-threatened Herne Bay over a potentially defining few days in their inaugural Isthmian Premier season.

Bay, who drew 3-3 at Hastings last weekend, are now four points adrift of safety heading into their last four games.

Victories are essential for Kevin Watson’s third-bottom side if they are to survive, ahead of Good Friday’s trip to Lewes and their home encounter with Cray Wanderers on Easter Monday.

“They’re big games,” said Watson.

“But these teams are similar to Hastings in the sense they’re trying to get in the play-offs.

“They will feel they need to beat us in order to achieve their objectives for the season.

“One thing is for sure - I don’t think anybody will be holding back! That sets the stage for some exciting, free-flowing football.

"It should be good.

“Both games should get decent crowds, Lewes particularly because that’s being played on the Friday.

“Then on Monday, hopefully, we will have a fair few down at home.”

The Hastings game came days after Stuart Fitchie had stood down as the club's chairman.

Watson, who felt the contest was a great advert for Step 3 football, said: “I think the boys have handled everything extremely well, to be honest.

“You assume news like that can be a distraction but, ultimately, it doesn’t have to impact performances on the pitch.”

Captain Laurence Harvey will miss the rest of the season with a broken cheekbone while attacker Rory Smith may also not return for the run-in.

But Hastings defender Finn O’Mara is expected to be back after he missed the clash at The Pilot Field due to the terms of his loan agreement.

“Laurence Harvey is now out for the season and Rory Smith has picked up an injury,” said Watson, who was forced to bring off