Hitman Rory Smith’s character has been praised by Herne Bay boss Kevin Watson.

Smith’s second-minute strike set Bay towards last Saturday’s 3-1 home success over fellow Isthmian Premier strugglers Corinthian-Casuals.

It was a similar story in their previous match - a 3-1 home victory against Bowers & Pitsea when Smith struck early - with back-to-back wins having eased relegation fears for Watson’s troops.

While Bay’s boss tries not to focus too much on individuals, neither he or assistant Adam Flanagan had worked with the eight-goal frontman previously - and they have liked what they’ve seen.

Watson said: “We try to refrain from talking about individuals because it’s such a collective effort.

“But what’s pleasing for us with Rory is that he’s a really nice guy. Football aside, I think good people deserve success and rewards in life.

“His mentality is very good. He’s very focused and a joy to work with, and neither of us had really worked with him before or knew too much about him.

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“He conducts himself really well so it’s pleasing for him and he’s finding himself in the right areas at the right times.

"Aside from that, his work ethic during games is exceptional and he’s very selfless.”

Bay are now off the foot of the table but Watson isn’t getting carried away.

“We’re, obviously, pleased with the result and the win, which is good,” he said.

“But when we focus on the performance, I think we need to stay in reality. Two defeats before that didn’t define us, we didn’t feel, so consecutive wins certainly won’t.

“But it’s positive and a step in the right direction.”

Striker Kymani Thomas also scored, although the pick of the goals came from Mason Saunders-Henry.

Watson added: “Mason’s one of those players who, yes, he’s scored an incredible goal - but there’s other attributes to his game that we feel are developing now.

“He’s playing with confidence, which is good to see.

“He’s played in a few different positions for us recently. He’s been a bit more consistent and he’s flourishing.”

The Corinthian-Casuals clash also saw ex-Gillingham defender Finn O’Mara make his Herne Bay debut after signing on a one-month loan from Hastings.

Watson added: “I’ve worked with Finn before and Flan knows of him.

“When we were made aware that he may be available, it was something we acted on.

"He’s a good lad and he wasn’t getting the game time that he desired or needed.

“We’ve got to thank Hastings and Gary Elphick for the way they’ve gone about their business. We have got a really good relationship with them.

“They recognise that their player needs game time and that’s something we can provide.”

Leaving the club is playmaker Eddie Allsopp who has signed for Sheppey in search of more regular first-team football.

“Eddie’s a young lad and he wants game time,” explained Watson, who didn’t rule out adding to his squad soon after midfielder Bode Anidugbe also recently departed for Faversham.

“There was another club that felt they could offer him that and he’s not played as much as he would have liked in recent times.

“We had a conversation. There were no issues of falling out or anything like that.

"Eddie’s been at the club a couple of times and he’s popular among players and fans.

“But at this moment in time, he felt it was best to pursue something else.”

This Saturday, second-bottom Bay will go in search of a third straight victory at Canvey Island, who are just outside the play-offs in seventh, before they host Potters Bar on Tuesday.

Watson said: “We went to watch Canvey a few weeks ago.

“It’s a tough place to go. We know a little bit about them and they had a good result against Hornchurch [beating them 3-1 this month].

“They’re in the upper echelons of the table and will come into it with confidence. On paper, they’ll be expected to win the game and why wouldn’t they?

“But we will be working hard to put in a performance.”

Right-back Troy Williams missed the Corinthian-Casuals match due to personal issues but will come back into contention.

Bay had been due to host Haringey on Tuesday. That fixture has been rearranged for Tuesday, February 7.