Sam Denly has ordered his players to behave on the pitch, vowing to improve Herne Bay’s dismal disciplinary record.

Three players – skipper Liam Quinn and strikers Mark Lovell and Danny Williams – have all had their season ended early by bans following the red cards shown to them at Walton Casuals a fortnight ago.

Denly is ready, if as expected, the club are summoned before the Football Association at Wembley in the next few weeks to explain after having 16 players sent-off in all competitions this season.

He said: “I am accountable for everything and will tell them (the FA) things are being put in place to make sure we are not in the same position this time next year.

"Neither me or any member of my management team instruct the players to go out and be reckless or make silly tackles.

“I spoke to them before Saturday’s game against South Park and we didn’t pick up any cards.

“I was pleased about that because they were under orders to be on their best behaviour and it made a pleasant change.

“I also have to say that all three officials were excellent.”

Bay overcame early adversity – losing Quinn in the warm-up with a back injury and Jack Delo making a mistake, which gifted the Surrey side a first- minute lead – before coming from behind to win 3-2.

Denly said: “It stopped the terrible run that we were on and got us off that dreaded 69-point mark, which we seemed to be on forever."

Nathan Eastwood (knee) and Gary Sayer (hamstring) will also miss Bay’s final home Ryman League, Division 1 South game of the season, against Carshalton Athletic on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the club have arranged a testimonial match for midfielder Lee Browning, forced to retire from the game on medical grounds.

Bay will meet a Tommy Warrilow Select XI at Winch’s Field on Sunday, May 15 (1pm).

Denly said: “Lee is a popular lad and a fantastic player at this level. I am sure Tommy will attract some good names and help us raise money for him."