Herne Bay are facing a fine after fielding an ineligible player in the 2-0 Ryman League, Division 1 South home defeat against Hastings United on Saturday – their third loss in a row.

Danny Williams started the game, only to be taken off after eight minutes at Winch’s Field, after Bay officials discovered the striker should have been starting a three-match ban.

Team-mate Gary Sayer was the player originally sent-off in the 6-0 defeat against Three Bridges a fortnight earlier, in a case of mistaken identity. Bay lodged an appeal, with Williams eventually confirmed as the player involved.

Boss Sam Denly said: “It was a genuine mistake and we move on. It wasn’t the ideal start and made it frustrating all-round.

“What was happening seemed to filter through to the crowd because the atmosphere became flat.

“It was a struggle for me to keep the boys motivated knowing the game might be taken away from us if we had won.

“Saying that, we played some good stuff at times and created chances.”

Striker Mark Lovell came off the bench to make his Bay debut just past the hour mark, having signed from Maidstone the previous day.

Denly said: “He is a great signing, brings quality and experience to the squad and has a chance of starting at Whitstable on Boxing Day (kick-off 3pm).

“It’s a big derby game. I have played in a few of them for both clubs and miss being involved (as a player). They are great games to be part of. I love being a manager but there is a different buzz.

“It’s going to be a battle and I am sure Jimmy and Danny Ward are saying the same.”

Meanwhile, the Ryman League have ruled the game at Walton Casuals on December 13, abandoned six minutes from time due to floodlight failure, with Bay 2-1 ahead, must be replayed. It will now take place on Wednesday, January 21 (7.45pm).

A remembrance service is being held in memory of ex- Bay coach Dave McFall at St Peter’s Church in Sydenham Street, Whitstable, at 1.30pm on January 4.

It will be followed by drinks at the Duke of Cumberland.