Boss Kevin Watson admitted Herne Bay missed a big chance to boost their Isthmian Premier survival prospects on Tuesday.

Bay suffered a 1-0 loss at home to Haringey as they failed to make it three wins in a row.

Victory would have moved them to within two points of fifth-bottom Kingstonian but visiting captain Scott Mitchell netted the only goal of the game.

“I just felt we had a lack of quality on the pitch,” said Watson.

“We didn’t take an opportunity that presented itself.

“I felt we were on top in the game for large spells and I didn’t feel that the opposition caused us too much of a threat.

“It’s all very well having possession but possession doesn’t get you points unless you convert that and, obviously, don’t concede.

“In both those aspects, we didn’t fulfil what we needed to.”

Bay remain five points adrift of safety ahead of this Saturday’s trip to Carshalton, managed by ex-Tonbridge boss Steve McKimm.

On what the midweek loss does to their chances of survival, Watson replied: “Time will tell, won’t it?

“Obviously we’re disappointed. Disheartened a little bit is probably a fair term to describe the feeling at this moment.

“We can feel sorry for ourselves and live with a bit of regret, or we can try and do something about it moving forward.

"Hopefully, we will have a positive reaction.”

Rory Smith and skipper Laurence Harvey came off after the restart with injuries while defender Jack Parter came off in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Bognor at half-time and was only introduced off the bench against Haringey, having a shot tipped onto the post.

“The problem with making changes and not having people available is maybe with how we need to set up,” suggested Watson.

“No player is exactly the same as the next. So, tactically, it probably changes a little bit.

"But we’ll assess that on Thursday ahead of Saturday.”

It was in front of goal where Herne Bay lacked the cutting edge and Watson didn’t rule out adding to his squad ahead of the deadline for signing players.

He said: “Potentially, we could make a signing and we may well do that.

"But some of these players have served the club quite well and served us quite well since we’ve been here, so I don’t want to lose faith with that.

“However, we’ve potentially picked up a couple of injuries and, certainly at this point in the season, we don’t want to be light on numbers.”

With only 21 more points left to play for, Bay have something of a mountain to climb but Watson doesn’t think his troops need to change their approach.

He said: “I think it would be a similar approach, wouldn’t it?

"We still wouldn’t be out of it.

“At no stage are we going to be able to relax so that certainly doesn’t change. What probably does change is the confidence of the boys, going into that game.

“But we went on a bit of a losing streak and that turned at some point.

“We’ve played some top teams and I do think - on our day - we can compete with any team in the league. Part of that statement is on our day.

"We need to make sure that it is our day.”

The defeat to Haringey came after late goals by Harvey and midfielder Connor Dymond saw Herne Bay come from behind to win against Bognor.

It was an emotional day, with a minute’s applause before kick-off for club photographer Keith Davy who died last week.

Watson said: “It was absolutely a tribute to him and the right thing to do.

“I think everybody kind of sensed that.

"Obviously, I don’t know him in the capacity that others did but we’re fully aware of the contribution people have played for this club - both in the past and the present.”