Herne Bay manager Ben Smith believes he is closer to knowing his strongest first eleven after a mixed start to the season.

A string of new arrivals in the summer has seen Bay’s appearance change drastically from the 2018/19 squad at Winch’s Field.

Smith is optimistic it will be the players currently at his disposal with which he will move forward at the club.

He said: “It’s one thing the players gelling on the pitch, it’s another us finding the right balance as well, because we haven’t been working with the players over the course of a season.

“It’s hard to say ‘that’s the best eleven’ or ‘that’s the best combination’, we think we’re closer to getting there and we’re hoping it’s with this personnel who we get there with.

“Over the next week or so that’s a decision we’ll come to.”

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Smith was left encouraged by Saturday’s display against Isthmian League Premier Division side Haringey Borough, despite a 3-0 defeat ending their time in the FA Cup.

He said: “First half we have to take more of our chances. I thought we were good value to come into half-time on the up in the game. A side that are second in the league above and flying, you expect them to have spells where they’re dominant.

“They had spells but the pleasing thing was that we had large spells where we looked a good side. If you looked at the two sides you wouldn’t say they’re a league above. We’ve come away pleased with the performance.”

He added: “It backed up what we’re saying, that there’s a lot of potential. It kind of vindicated what we’re saying what we’re trying to go with.

“Are we there yet? No we aren’t but we aren’t going to come up against Haringey every week.”

Former Hythe goalkeeper George Kamurasi impressed on the day as he filled in for Bay in place of recent signing Rob Budd.

“We approached him,” Smith explained. “We knew he was a free agent and he was looking for a Saturday club so it suited both of us.

“He was outstanding on the day, I can’t speak highly enough of him.

“Obviously we need to have a look at that department, we signed Rob Budd who I’m happy with.

“The agreement with George was that it was for one game, there’s a door very much open there should we need to though and should all parties want to.”

Bay are away at Whitehawk on Saturday, before visiting Ramsgate on Tuesday.

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