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By Ollie Collins
Herne Bay manager Ben Smith believes he has a 30 goal-a-season striker in Zak Ansah.
Ansah has 14 goals from 16 games in the Isthmian South East so far this season and four more in cup competitions.
Smith said of the former Hythe Town front man: “Just look at the games we’ve played so far and he’s already scored 14 goals, we’re not even half way through the season.
“He still has things to work on and he knows that, but I think he will score 30 goals this season, he’s got that much talent.”
Ansah was a youth player at Arsenal before brief spells with Charlton Athletic, Notts County and Plymouth.
The 25-year-old joined Hythe Town in 2017, netting 51 goals in 61 appearances before joining Bay.
Ansah failed to score on Saturday as Herne Bay drew 0-0 with Haywards Heath, claiming their first clean sheet since 2017.
“When we joined the club at the start of the season, the fans said they wanted to see clean sheets.
“I’m pleased because it’s been a long time since the club kept a clean sheet at Winch’s Field but we were disappointing going forward,” said Smith.
Bay are eighth in Isthmian South East two points outside the play-offs but Smith thinks his side’s position could be better.
“We’re in a good place but we’ve left some points out there, we should definitely have a few more,” he said.
Herne Bay have a difficult fixture on Friday away at league leaders Hastings United, who suffered their first loss this season to Ashford United last Saturday.
Smith said: “There’s never a good time to play Hastings because they’re a very good side.
“We go there as underdogs but we’re not daunted by the challenge.
“It’s testament to the work that goes on at the club that Hastings will be looking at how to stop some of our players, such as Zak (Ansah). It’s a good time at Herne Bay Football Club on and off the pitch,” said Smith.
Bay face a Boxing Day derby clash at Faversham following the Hastings game and Smith believes his side have the edge over their near neighbours.
“We’re certainly the better team on paper, but they’re under new management and play very direct football because they’re a physical side,” said Smith.
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