Herne Bay did their supporters proud during Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Horsham, says caretaker manager Anthony Deer.

Twice the hosts came from behind against the second-placed side before conceding a decisive third 11 minutes from time.

A resolute performance may not have amounted to a points reward, but it did not go unnoticed in the eyes of spectators from both sides.

Deer said: “At the beginning there wasn’t much expectation but as the game grew the opportunity was there to get something.

“We went down after seven minutes having started well, but we responded quickly through an excellent finish from Bradley Schafer.

“He then had two really good chances, one was a one-on-one with the goalkeeper where the ball didn’t come down for him quickly enough, then a shot inside the box where he probably had a bit more time.

“It could have been a different game, unfortunately they got another before half-time.

“We thought when we equalised there was something in the game for us but Horsham changed the way they played and finished stronger

“We had lots of compliments from their management team and committee after the game about the way we played.”

The result was Deer’s first defeat following back-to-back wins since taking the reins from former management duo John Embery and Jermaine Darlington.

Deer added: “On the form table we are quite similar to them at the moment so it was always going to be close.

“For the three games I’ve been here the boys have put a shift in and worked hard.

“Some of the teams that are already safe might not be putting it in but our boys are showing the fans they want to win every game.”

Bay had to do without Ronald Sobowale following his sending-off again Faversham, with the forward boasting a record of six goals in his last eight games.

Deer said: “We did well without him, Brad (Schafer) up front is quite versatile so we can play him anywhere. “It’s good to see him playing up top.

“I was speaking to fans afterwards and the fact that the boys matched Horsham was enough for them.

“They want players to play for the club and to be committed, and the boys did that.”

Bay are at Sevenoaks on Saturday and host Sittingbourne on Monday (3pm).