Injuries, a missed penalty and Lewes goalkeeper Adria Munoz Fernandez all conspired to frustrate Herne Bay at Winch’s Field on Tuesday night.

They lost Danny Walder to a virus three hours before kick-off, goalkeeper Jack Delo pulled out in the warm-up with back trouble and Gary Sayer went off at half-time with a split
eye.

Ian Pulman then saw Fernandez deny him from the spot and keep out the rebound, with Stephen Okoh’s clinical hat-trick helping the East Sussex club complete a 4-1 victory.

The night’s events robbed Bay of the chance to build on the 4-3 win at leaders Dorking Wanderers last weekend.

Boss Sam Denly said: “I was fully expecting to do that but all that happened didn’t help.
“I told the boys afterwards that I am the first to criticise them, when they don’t play well but it could have been 4-4 or 5-4 to us, which was no consolation.”

He added: “We were outstanding at Dorking and it’s probably up there as one of our best results of the season.

“It was disappointing they got back to 3-3 but the boys showed great character to go on and get the winner.”

Denly’s assistant Gavin Theze added: “It’s all about consistency in our league but it’s relentless.

“Sam and I always say there is no time to enjoy the wins and dwell on the defeats, because you are always preparing for the next one.”

That in Bay’s case is a swift reunion with Lewes on Saturday (3pm). One boost for Denly is the return of club skipper Liam Quinn, who replaced Sayer on Tuesday.

He said: “Liam is a massive player for us and we have missed him.
“He has been unavailable due to work commitments but is now available for the rest of the season.”