Ben Smith has praised the goal-scoring contributions from Herne Bay’s defence this season.

Former Maidstone man Dan Johnson netted in their 2-0 derby success over Faversham last weekend, his fifth goal of the campaign, before Rory Smith added a second to seal the win - scoring for the second game in a row.

Johnson is one goal behind Bay skipper and centre-back partner Laurence Harvey, while Dan Carrington and injured right-back Ryan Cooper have also chipped in with goals.

Bay manager Smith said: “I was disappointed with my centre-backs against Sevenoaks. I had some choice words for them but, taking the season as a whole, we have been really good there.

“Whatever combination we have had, we have been solid and they have chipped in with some goals.

“Yes, we have some obvious candidates for goals but getting more goals from set-pieces has been a really welcome addition.

“We have Laurence Harvey on six and Dan Johnson on five.

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"If one could get double figures, that would be beautiful!”

Sixth-placed Herne Bay are back within sight of a play-off spot, two points behind Cray Valley, and four points adrift of Haywards Heath in fourth - but with a game in hand on both.

Bay have signed former Charlton and Faversham playmaker Eddie Allsopp, while the club are in talks with a higher-league club about taking another midfielder on loan for the rest of the season.

On Allsopp, who had been on trial with League 2 Harrogate while with Faversham, Smith commented: “He will suit our style of play down to the ground.”

Bay visit Lancing this Saturday, looking to complete the double over them after a 2-1 home win in November, before they visit Faversham at Salters Lane on Tuesday.

“Any club at this stage of the season will fancy themselves at home,” Smith stated.

“But if you look at records, I think you will find our away record is pretty good - from 14 games, we have come away with points in 10 of them.

“That’s not bad. So we will go there full of confidence.

“It’s a nice pitch but we are a good footballing side.

“They have lost just under half of their games at home, so we will fancy our chances.

"But I know enough about them to know that they are a threat.”

Smith also was surprised with what he felt were defensive tactics Faversham employed at Winch’s Field but added: “There were a few murmurs around the Faversham fans that they are acutely aware they’re in a bit of a relegation scrap.

“But I don’t see it like that. I think they have too much to go down.”