Sam Denly admits Mark Lovell’s goals are a big reason why Herne Bay have avoided being sucked into the Ryman League, Division 1 South relegation battle.

Lovell’s fourth double in five games – and two more by Ian Pulman – helped Bay thrash East Grinstead 6-0 to record their biggest win of the season at Winch’s Field on Saturday.

Boss Denly said: “Mark has been excellent and been doing it all season for us. He has now got 20 goals in all competitions, which is outstanding.

“Without them, we would be lower in the league than we are.

“Mark is 33 now but has definitely got another year or two in him. He has looked after himself and is an example to younger players with his dedication and how hard he works – he has been ideal for me and the team.

“Pully scored twice and they could prove to be a formidable partnership for the rest of the season.”

Denly added: “We were excellent against Grinstead. I know they weren’t great but it was a good performance and we were clinical.

“We have been playing well over the past two months and are now unbeaten in six. A win like that has been coming but we have been lacking quality in front of goal."

Denly admitted frustration after Bay’s game at Cray Wanderers was called off on Wednesday for a second time due to a waterlogged pitch, - following a 2pm inspection at Hayes Lane.

The game has now been re-arranged for Wednesday March 29 (7.45pm).

He said: "We just want to play, we are behind in games, and are on a roll."

Bay travel to Horsham on Saturday (3pm) before entertaining play-off dark horses South Park next Wednesday (7.45).

The Reigate side are yet to play Bay this season, but suffered a blow to their outside hopes of making the play-offs losing 4-0 at home to another fancied team Greenwich Borough on Wednesday.