Sam Denly is demanding and expecting an improved display when Herne Bay face Ryman League, Division 1 South leaders Faversham Town at Winch’s Field on Thursday (3pm).

He described the 4-1 defeat at Whitstable on Boxing Day as “poor and lacklustre” claiming “Whitstable wanted it more than us.”

Bay failed to build on Sam Hasler’s second-minute strike at Belmont and Denly admitted: “The result hurt, because me, Gavin Theze and Ben Smith are all local people.

“A few harsh words were said in the dressing room after and the players were hurt and disappointed as well because we didn’t get going.

“We started well, went in front but maybe took our foot off the gas. Scoring so early seemed to inspire Whitstable more than us.

“Stuart King had a couple of chances and we had another goal ruled out which I thought was a harsh decision.”

Bay also had Danny Walder sent off – the club’s third dismissal in four games. Denly added: “We knew December was going to be a tough month and four successive defeats have put a bit of a dampener on what has been a good first half of the season.”

A six-point Christmas put Faversham top going into the new year and Denly said: “They are there on merit and a good side.

“Ray Turner has assembled a good squad. They are one of the best four or five teams we have faced this season.

“We’ll show them respect but we have to bounce back after Whitstable and put a shift in.”

Bay lost 4-1 to Faversham when the teams met at Salters Lane on August Bank Holiday Monday.

Hasler will miss the game with a knock picked up at Whitstable, while Dan Parkinson starts a three-match ban, following his sending-off in the abandoned game at Walton Casuals on December 13.

Bay travel to Walton & Hersham on Saturday, with Denly hoping to make a strong start to 2015.

He said: “We have got a run of games which are winnable.”