Sam Denly shrugged off the frustration of being unable to field new signing Ian Pulman to hail the 2-0 Boxing Day win at Ramsgate as massive.

Pulman was denied his debut against his old club after his registration failed to go through in time and Denly admitted: “I wasn’t best pleased and it was disappointing for Pully.”

The win lifted Bay four places up the table – and were handed another boost with three of the other fellow-strugglers Three Bridges, Molesey and Friday's visitors Chatham all losing on Tuesday.

Denly denied that scorer Danny Williams would have been the player to miss out if Pulman had been available.

He said: “Danny has been fantastic for us and he took his goal well – it was down to a mistake by the centre-half and the goalkeeper but it was still a difficult finish. It came from a long ball downfield from Jack Delo who was outstanding.

Substitute Kane Phillip got the second after replacing Joe Nelder.

Denly said: “I sent him on with 15-20 minutes to go, telling him to score the goal

to put the game to bed and he did. He gambled intelligently and it was a great finish.”

The Bay boss also praised the spirit and camaraderie among his squad. He said: “We have always had a fantastic dressing room in my time at the club.

“They work hard for each other and it’s great to see them celebrate our goals together.”

Bay’s win ended a run of six games without a win, following four successive victories in late October/November.

Denly is now looking to follow-up quickly at home against third bottom Chatham on Friday (7.45pm).

He said: “The win against Ramsgate pushed us up to 18th and it’s important we look to record back-to-back victories.”

The meeting pairs Denly with some familiar faces in the opposing dug-out.

Former Hollands & Blair boss Paul Piggott is now in charge at the Medway club, working with ex-Whitstable midfielder Clint Gooding and former Bay boss Simon Halsey.

Denly said: “I spoke to Paul a few months back – I am sure he will do well there."

A minute's silence will be observed before the game following the death of former reserve team manager Jack Melville.

The game is ON following a pitch inspection on Friday afternoon.

Bay host Faversham on Bank Holiday Monday (3pm).