Sam Denly says guiding Herne Bay to their best-ever finish in the Ryman League only increases expectations.

They travel to Division 1 South play-off qualifiers Whyteleafe in their final game of the season, and while the result means little, the Winch’s Field boss admits: “We have already cemented ninth (following the 1-1 draw with Guernsey on Saturday) but can still finish eighth if we win and other results go our way.

“I have already got one eye on next season and am in talks with the squad, but the players are still playing for their futures.

“I am proud because we have had a great season but don’t want to stand still. Having been in and around the play-offs this time, people will expect us to do the same next season.”

Denly is looking forward to playing on the Surrey club’s 3G pitch at Church Road, adding: “We like to play football and the surface will allow us to do that. I like the one at Maidstone and it’s a good opportunity to go and enjoy ourselves.

“Our pitch has deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks, with not much rain about, and hasn’t allowed us to get the ball down the way we like.”

Striker Danny Williams won’t feature at Whyteleafe as the club are still waiting to find out the full extent of his foot injury.

Meanwhile, Bay youngsters have reached the NRG GYM under-21 Development League final, to be played at Sevenoaks Town FC on Saturday week.

They beat Greenwich Borough 2-1 on Tuesday night after their 3-3 draw in the first leg.

Bay host a friendly between a County League under-21 XI and the Essex Olympian League on Saturday (3pm).