by Alex Hoad

Herne Bay boss Simon Halsey says his squad won’t be entertaining thoughts about a Ryman League, Division 1 South play-off spot, despite accepting that Bay’s rise to third in the table might start talk among others.

Bay cruised to a 3-0 win at Three Bridges on Saturday to end a run of three straight draws and victory over Horsham at Winch’s Field this weekend could take them top.

After winning the Kent Hurlimann League Premier Division title last season, Halsey (pictured) had set his players the target of taking 15 points from their opening 10 games at the higher level.

Saturday’s win in Sussex made it a haul of 16 from their opening 10 and Halsey revealed: “It’s a fresh start at 10 games.

“The boys have done well and they have got an extra point in the bank.

“I’ll sit down before the weekend and look at the next 10 games and work out a reasonable target for them.

“I know we have got a hard November but it’s all about setting new goals and moving on.”

Bay pipped Tooting & Mitcham in the Isthmian League Cup second round on penalties on Wednesday to make it seven games unbeaten.

Halsey said: “Ever since I have been here I’ve been big on looking at runs and statistics. We’ve had a 19 and a 26-game unbeaten run in the past here – it would be good if we can go on and make it nine or 10.”

He added: "I’m sure there will be plenty of talk about the play-offs among the committee and the supporters but there won’t be any talk like that in my changing room.”

Do you think Bay can keep their unbeaten run going against Horsham? Have your say below.