Sam Denly feels supporters have been too quick to criticise his young side.

The Herne Bay boss admits the recent 5-1 defeat at Ramsgate was a poor result with goalkeeper Jack Delo among several players under fire.

However, Denly was delighted with the keeper’s response in the 1-0 loss at Hastings on Monday night, admitting: “I spoke to a few supporters after the Ramsgate game and a few were digging out Jack and other players after they had one bad game.

“Jack was excellent on Monday, two or three of his saves were top drawer. He is our captain and a great keeper who has played higher. He has nothing to prove to me.”

Denly has allowed defender Stephen Lloyd to join tenants Canterbury City in a bid to give him more match-time.

The former Whitstable defender has suffered from a lack of opportunities in recent weeks but has moved on a dual registration and could make his City debut in their Southern Counties East League trip to Phoenix Sports on Saturday.

Denly is keeping one eye on the weather, hoping Bay’s Ryman League, Division 1 South game against bottom side Corinthian Casuals at Winch’s Field on Saturday gets the go ahead.

Bay have now not played at home for more than a month and Denly said: “I was at the ground on Tuesday and it was still wet. We need to start playing again at home and I hope the weather stays on our side.”