Sam Denly hopes Sam Hasler’s maiden hat-trick for Herne Bay will be the first of many.

The 21-year-old shone in Bay’s 4-2 Ryman League, Division 1 South home win against Carshalton on Saturday but the injury-prone striker’s performance didn’t surprise the Winch’s Field boss.

Denly said: “He is one of our most talented players along with the likes of Stuart King and we know how good he is.

“He is gifted, has one of the best left feet I have ever seen and lots of ability but we have got to keep him fit.

“It was an excellent hat-trick. The first one went straight in from a corner which our own dubious goals panel have given to him, while the other two were shots from outside the box. It was an open game and could have finished 4-4 or 5-5.”

Bay came down to earth on Tuesday night in the Ryman League Cup, beaten 6-0 at Maidstone United in the second round.

They were 5-0 down at half-time and Denly admitted: “It wasn’t a good night at the office but I made a lot of changes. Joe Nelder and Dan Parkinson were both suspended and Kingy and Liam Quinn both had knocks.

“It was an inexperienced side but we had chances when it was 0-0 and there were enough good things to come out of the game. I learned a lot from it.”

Denly revealed last week Bay are struggling financially and confirmed that money has been cut across the board.

He said: “Everybody has been affected and I have had a frank conversation with the players about the situation. We need to attract sponsors to help us.”

Bay travel to improving Hythe on Saturday.