The feat of scoring seven goals without reply proved a tough act to follow for Herne Bay on Tuesday night.

Boss Sam Denly, who saw his side thrash Peacehaven & Telscombe on Saturday, left south London dejected after seeing his side throw away the chance of recording their 10th Ryman League Division 1 South away win of the season, at Tooting.

Bay led 1-0 following Sam Hasler’s ninth-minute opener – his third goal in two games – until, in the Bay manager’s own words, an “absolute calamity” gifted Jake Baxter the 75th-minute equaliser.

Boss Denly explained: “Liam Quinn passed the ball back to Jack Delo who sliced it straight to their player who tapped in from five yards.

“It was two points dropped and the manner in which we conceded was very disappointing, but Jack has been fantastic for us.”

The outcome took the edge of what Denly hailed a “fantastic performance” against the best footballing side they had played this season.

He added: “We worked so hard, defended very well and proved hard to beat.”

Bay missed the chance to close the gap on second-placed Worthing to two points, and Denly said: “We have done so well to be where we are, and have now got 16 games to play, every one a cup final, beginning at East Grinstead on Saturday.

"It’s an important weekend with Dorking Wanderers at home to Faversham the same day.”

Denly will check on Danny Walder's calf niggle, ahead of the weekend. but Gary Sayer is unavailable.