Sam Denly is refusing to worry despite seeing his Herne Bay side lose their opening three pre-season friendlies.

Another concern for the Winch’s Field boss is the lack of goals, Bay having failed to score in two of them, including Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat at Erith & Belvedere.

Chris Hubbard’s 85th-minute winner decided the game at Park View Road, after the hosts had Charlie Hearn sent-off for a first half stamp on Ben Brown.

Denly said: “We played some good stuff, had 10 good chances in the game but lacked quality in the final third.

“I am not panicking, though, because we are looking all right, and certainly stronger than last season.”

Striker Jordan Casey, back from a trial with Ryman League Premier Division Maidstone United, got off the mark in the 2-1 defeat at Woodstock Sports on Saturday, when Denly fielded a squad containing mostly youngsters and trialists.

Casey is back with Bay after a spell with the County Town club, Stones boss Jay Saunders says he worked hard and vowed to monitor his progress.

Bay have arranged a pre-season friendly against former groundsharers Canterbury City on Saturday (3pm), after original opponents Godalming pulled out.

They are at Lordswood on Tuesday (7.45pm).