Sam Denly believes four wins from Herne Bay’s final seven games should be good enough for his side to finish in the Ryman League Division 1 South play-offs.

However, he concedes others, notably Hythe and Hastings United – who drew 1-1 at Reachfields on Thursday – may have a better chance, with games in hand.

Bay stay fifth, having dropped one place following Faversham Town's 2-0 win at South Park on Wednesday.

Boss Denly said: “The teams in and around us are probably favourites but it is still in our own hands.”

Bay were one of three contenders who slipped up on Saturday, beaten 4-2 at second- placed Dorking Wanderers.

The Surrey side opened up an eight-point gap over Bay, with themselves and Worthing now seeming certain to clinch two of the four play-off spots.

Denly added: “We were outstanding in the first half and it was disappointing we didn’t go in ahead at half-time.

“A couple of defensive frailties which is unlike us and happens infrequently, saw us concede twice and left us chasing the game.

“Dorking were clinical and you can see why a player like Tom Tolfrey has scored 30 goals this season. He made his second look easy.”

Bay host another team in the play-off mix, Ramsgate, on Saturday with five points separating the clubs.

Denly's side lost 1-0 at Southwood in December and he recalled: “It was frustrating and we did everything but score that day. “It’s a big game, a local derby and hopefully a good
crowd. We have got to be better and a little bit more ruthless in front of goal.”