Sam Denly has been reluctant to talk up Herne Bay’s chances of sneaking into the Ryman League Division 1 South play-offs but even he is getting excited about what the club might achieve this season.

They are unbeaten in seven games and boast the fourth best away record in the competition – this ahead of three successive away trips, to Chipstead, East Grinstead and South Park.

The statistics make for impressive reading, the latter especially so, considering Bay’s poor form on the road earlier this season.

Boss Denly said: “I have been pretty coy speaking about our chances.

“Hard work has got us where we are at the moment with 10 games left. We have brought quality into the squad, and are a strong side.

“I hope we are having the same conversation with five matches left.”

Bay have recruited young defender Dan Bent from Gillingham, who made his debut off the bench against Invicta. He could start on Saturday as skipper Liam Quinn is unavailable.

Striker Danny Williams is back after a two-game ban, while Jordan Casey is also available, giving Denly plenty of selection options ahead of the trip to Surrey.

“It’s a nice problem to have,” Denly added.